
The Common, Edition #13
November 18, 2022

November 18, 2022
Superintendent Update
Dear Nashoba Community,
Next week, starting Wednesday, November 23rd, we will have a short vacation to celebrate the American tradition of Thanksgiving. Since I was a young boy, I have always appreciated Thanksgiving as a joyful time to gather with friends and family to give thanks for the blessings in my life. Let me take just a moment to share my thanks to you, the Nashoba community, for your graciousness and support.
The students, staff, and families of Nashoba have entrusted me with the responsibility of leading our school system to meet the challenges of the moment and the future. It is a responsibility that is shared amongst the leaders of our schools and our central office team. It is also shared by the hard working teachers and staff who are dedicated to serving this community. We thank you, the Nashoba community, for being our partners in learning in service to the students we care for every day.
Peace,
Kirk Downing
(He/Him)
“Be your best self. Pave your path. Impact the world.”
News from the Department of Teaching and Learning
Curriculum Alignment, Development, and Mapping - Middle School Science and Engineering
On Wednesday, middle school science and engineering teachers from Bolton, Stow, and Lancaster participated in a full day of district curriculum work under the direction of Math and Science Curriculum Director, Courtney Philbin. Middle school teachers from each grade level joined together to engage in a vertical and horizontal discussion of district science curriculum as part of the district's Strategic Planning efforts. Goals of Wednesday's working session focused on the outlining of the district's aligment of science standards covered at each grade level for the purpose of strengthening curriculum cohesion and fostering sensemaking for all students. The team also engaged in a rich discussion focused on future visioning and the further strengthening of our inquiry-based middle school science program districtwide.
News from the Pupil Personnel Services Department
This past week the word “joy” has come to mind frequently. Webster defines joy as “a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.” There are moments that we discover that experiencing joy comes from the everyday teacher and student connections and interactions. These moments are not fleeting but rather they have a lasting impact. Brain research shows that experiencing joy has a positive impact on us both physically and psychologically.
This week our preschoolers were experiencing our animated Reading Specialist presenting the “The Old Lady that Swallowed a Turkey.” While this was a silly story, the students were not only learning rhyming and story sequencing they were thoroughly enjoying the teacher reading with enthusiasm and animation.
In our Little Friends classroom, our students and teachers were experiencing laughter and joy during playtime. As you can see from the pictures, bouncing on a yoga ball or playing on the rug brought delight in our teachers and students.
These moments are important in that, if teachers and students experience joyful moments, student engagement grows and it creates an enhanced classroom climate.
As we approach the holiday break, wishing you joyful moments with family and friends.
Nashoba Notable Award - Celebrating Everyday Greatness at Nashoba
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
Congratulations to NFH on advancing to the state finals v. Longmeadow!
Saturday 11/19 @ 2PM @ Westboro HS
All tickets must be purchased via GoFan
Good luck to our girls cross country team competing in the MIAA State Championship meet,
Fort Devens, Saturday at 11AM!
Best of luck to Adam Balewicz in the MIAA State Championship meet,
Fort Devens, Saturday at 11:45AM!
Over 300 guests came out to the Florence Sawyer Gym for PTO's Family Bingo Night
Together, we inspire and challenge all learners to reach their unique potential and become active contributors to their community.