North Middlesex Regional High School to Host an Unprecedented Three Patriot Pride Days — Is the Mid-Year Event a Game Changer?

By The ClearScope Network | @ClearScopeNet

August 28, 2025

In an unexpected but spirited twist, North Middlesex Regional High School (NMRHS) has announced a bold new expansion of one of its most popular events: Patriot Pride Day. Typically held just twice per school year — once at the beginning and again at the end — the administration has confirmed plans for a third celebration, to take place mid-year during the winter months during the 2025-2026 school year — the first time in the event’s history. These vibrant school spirit days, which have traditionally taken place at the start and end of each school year, will now feature a mid-year event, breaking new ground in terms of timing, location, and activities.

What’s New This Year?

Typically, Patriot Pride Days have taken place in late August to kick off the school year, followed by a grand finale in late spring. However, with this new scheduling change, NMRHS students can look forward to a fresh dose of school spirit in the dead of winter.

The first Patriot Pride Day for the 2025-2026 school year took place today, August 28, 2025, signaling the start of what’s shaping up to be a year of heightened school pride. But the exciting news? A potential mid-year event we believe will take place between January 21 and January 30, 2026 is being planned — a time of year when school spirit is typically at a lull, making the possibility of this new event especially exciting.

Challenges Ahead: Indoor Venue, New Traditions

While previous Patriot Pride Days were held outside in the open air (often taking advantage of the large outdoor space at the school), the mid-year event faces a unique set of challenges. Given the frigid temperatures typical for January and February in Massachusetts, the event will be held indoors — most likely in the gymnasium. But sources indicate that specific details are still being ironed out.

The shift from outdoor festivities to an indoor setting raises a number of important questions for students and staff alike:

• How will the limited space in the gym accommodate all four grades?

• Will the usual outdoor activities be able to fit inside?

• Will students be able to enjoy the same level of excitement, including the DJ, snow cones, and cotton candy, when they’re confined to an indoor space?

As of now, the gymnasium seems to be the primary space, but additional areas like the commons could also be used to help spread out the crowd. Regardless of where the festivities happen, it's clear that NMRHS is trying to create a fun and memorable experience for everyone.

What to Expect at the Mid-Year Event?

The winter event — set to take place in January 2026 — will feature many of the same activities students have come to love. The NM School Store, conveniently located behind the main staircase, will be open for those eager to purchase NM gear and school memorabilia. The music, as always, will be a key part of the event, but the question remains: Can the DJ and loud music work in an indoor setting?

While the volume would need to be adjusted, sources suggest that a DJ is still set play a pivotal role in pumping up the crowd. However, it’s important to note that the inflatables, a signature feature of previous Patriot Pride Days, will not be making an appearance. This absence could either lead to a scaled-back event or force the administration to get creative with alternative activities. With that in mind, expect potential smaller games like potato sack races, football throwing, volleyball, and frisbee tosses — activities that typically require less space and can be adapted to fit an indoor environment.

However, some are questioning whether such games — especially activities like frisbee toss — will be as enjoyable indoors. The lack of space for larger games or inflatables presents a unique challenge for event organizers, and many are speculating on what alternatives might emerge.

The Potential for a New Tradition?

What’s clear is that NMRHS is thinking outside the box this year. By introducing a mid-year event, the school is testing the waters for a new tradition, one that could energize students and reinvigorate school pride during the coldest months of the year. It also marks a broader shift in how the school community comes together — making these events less of a one-off and more of a regular occurrence.

Will the mid-year Patriot Pride Day live up to the hype? Will the gym and commons be able to accommodate the entire school? And most importantly, will the absence of inflatables and other activities lead administrators to create new memorial experiences? 

These are questions that still need to be answered. But one thing is for certain: Patriot Pride is about to get a whole lot bigger at North Middlesex Regional High School, and we’re excited to see how this all unfolds.

Stay tuned to The ClearScope Network (@ClearScopeNet) for updates on this developing story.