NSboro Back-to-School Newsletter - 2026-2027

Welcome to the 2026-2027 academic year!

The start of a new school year is always an exciting time. It also brings changes to the daily rhythms of parents, guardians, caregivers, students, and educators as summer routines give way to early mornings, school buses, classrooms, practices, activities, homework, and all that comes with a new school year. I hope everyone has had an opportunity to recharge and is looking forward to the year ahead.

As the school year begins, I will be sharing the District's new strategic plan, Vision 2032: Educate, Inspire, and Challenge. Vision 2032 is not a change in direction from Vision 2026. Rather, it builds on the strong foundation established over the past six years and looks ahead to the knowledge, skills, and experiences students will need in the years to come.

Much has been accomplished through Vision 2026. The District has strengthened curriculum and instructional practices across its schools, expanded the use of Universal Design for Learning and inclusive practices, developed stronger systems for using data to understand and respond to student needs, and placed an increased emphasis on student belonging and well-being. Students continue to achieve at high levels, schools have received state and national recognition, and significant investments have been made in facilities, technology, and learning environments. These accomplishments reflect the collective efforts of educators, students, families, school committees, and the Northborough and Southborough communities.

At the same time, much work remains.

One of the most important elements carried forward into Vision 2032 is the Portrait of a Graduate. The knowledge and skills represented in the Portrait are intended to be enduring. The District wants graduates to be effective communicators, collaborators, critical and creative thinkers, healthy and balanced, growth-oriented, and socially and civically engaged. Vision 2032 adds another important characteristic: adaptability.

The addition of adaptability reflects the world students are entering. Career pathways are changing, higher education is evolving, and technology continues to advance rapidly. Many of the opportunities today's students will encounter may look very different from those that exist today. The responsibility of schools is not simply to prepare students for the world as it currently exists, but to help them develop the knowledge, skills, confidence, and habits of mind necessary to navigate changing conditions, learn new things, solve unfamiliar problems, and continue growing throughout their lives.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one example of that changing landscape. AI is woven throughout many of the actions in Vision 2032 because it will increasingly influence how people learn, work, communicate, and create. However, the work is not simply about teaching students how to use a particular technology. Technologies will continue to change. What will endure is the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, collaborate with others, exercise sound judgment, ask thoughtful questions, create, and adapt. Those skills become increasingly important in a world shaped by AI.

Throughout the year, I will continue to share more about Vision 2032 and the work taking place across the District. Communication with families remains an important part of that work. NSboro News is sent each Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. and provides District-wide updates, information, and highlights. Principals also share weekly newsletters with their school communities, and educators communicate with families through email, ParentSquare, or Canvas, depending on the grade level.

While these tools are important, they are not a substitute for face-to-face communication and connection. I encourage families to reach out to educators and school leaders when questions arise, attend school and District events, and take advantage of opportunities to be present in our schools and communities. Some of the strongest relationships are built through a conversation at a school event, a meeting with an educator, or simply taking the time to connect in person. These interactions strengthen partnerships and help create the sense of community that is so important to student success.

Strong schools depend on strong partnerships, and the engagement and support of families and the Northborough and Southborough communities remain essential.

I am excited about the year ahead and grateful for the work educators and staff have done to prepare for the return of students. I wish all students, families, educators, and staff a successful, engaging, and rewarding 2026-2027 school year.

• Mark September 1 on your calendar. The first day of school for students is Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
• Review the 2026-2027 District Calendar. Be sure to note school vacations, professional development days, early release days, and other important dates.
• Check your transportation information. Bus assignments, stop information, and directions for using the bus-tracking application will be shared with families through ParentSquare during the week of August 17.
• Download or log in to ParentSquare. ParentSquare is the District's primary communication system for announcements, reminders, school information, and emergency alerts.
• Visit your school's website and read your principal's updates. School-specific information, events, schedules, and reminders will be shared directly by each school.
• Review food service information. Breakfast and lunch remain free for students. Families who plan to purchase snacks or additional meals should maintain a balance in MySchoolBucks.

Technology is an important part of our lives, at school, at home, and in our communities. As technology continues to evolve, we want to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and habits they need to use technology in ways that support their health, well-being, learning, and relationships.

In spring 2026, The Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough were invited to partner with the MetroWest Health Foundation Digital Wellness Collaborative on an initiative to promote and enhance digital wellness in our community. This partnership builds upon the District’s ongoing commitment to supporting the health and well-being of students and staff and helping young people develop healthy, balanced, and responsible relationships with technology.

What is digital wellness? The Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital offers a helpful definition:

“Digital Wellness is a positive state of mental, physical, and social-emotional health pursued through intentional, authentic, and balanced engagement with technology and interactive media.”

To support this work, the District has established a Digital Wellness Committee made up of school and community members. The Committee is working together to review the District's current digital wellness practices and efforts, identify areas for growth, and develop resources and strategies to strengthen digital wellness across the schools and community.

The Committee has been meeting throughout the summer and is excited to begin sharing information and resources with families. Beginning this fall, look for monthly Digital Wellness resources and information in your school principal’s newsletters. Additionally, presentations, panels, and webinars will be offered throughout the school year. Topics will include technology and mental health, digital safety, social media, and finding a healthy balance with technology and interactive media.

We Want to Hear From You!

Parents, guardians, and caregivers play an important role in helping children develop healthy technology habits. We would love your input about the topics, resources, and support that would be most helpful to your family. Please take a moment to complete our Digital Wellness Survey.

K-8 Digital Wellness Parent Survey

9-12+ Digital Wellness Parent Survey

The District's Digital Wellness webpage is currently under development and will launch in September 2026. It will serve as an ongoing resource for families, students, and staff, providing information, tools, and resources to support digital wellness at home and at school.

Look for monthly Digital Wellness information and resources in your principal’s newsletter beginning this fall!

The start of the 2026-2027 school year also provides an opportunity to welcome several new members of the District’s leadership team and recognize three colleagues beginning new roles. I am pleased to welcome Tom Millett, Principal of the Margaret A. Neary Elementary School; Jessica Burque, Northborough Director of Student Services; Daniel Mazur, Southborough Director of Student Services; and Amy Harvey, Principal of Fannie E. Proctor Elementary School. I am also pleased to recognize Deb Lemieux, who begins her new role as Principal of the Mary E. Finn Elementary School; Kate Clark, who begins her new role as Northborough-Southborough Regional Director of Student Services; and Natalie Beyranevand, who begins her new role as Southborough Student Support Coordinator, formerly known as the Team Chairperson. Each brings valuable experience, perspective, and a strong commitment to supporting students, educators, and families. 

I look forward to their leadership and the contributions they will make across the Northborough and Southborough school communities.