In the Loop
In the Loop Staff Newsletter - May 22, 2026
Aaron Belman
Important Dates
Weekly Wrap Up
Watch this week’s Weekly Wrap Up here, to catch up on the highlights from the week ending May 22, 2026.
Supt’s Corner
Inderkum Seniors Showcase Civic Impact at 2026 Senior Service Night
Superintendent Dr. Robyn Castillo, along with community members, celebrated Inderkum High School’s 2026 Senior Service Night. Graduating seniors delivered professional presentations to community judges, reflecting on their 30-hour community service projects and partnerships with local organizations, schools, and animal shelters.
Beyond sharing stories of personal transformation and social growth, the evening marked a massive milestone: 304 seniors earned the prestigious California State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE)!
Congratulations to our Tigers for their professionalism, dedication, and lasting impact on our community.
Celebrations
Natomas High School Celebrates Student Excellence at Senior Awards Ceremony
Natomas High School hosted its annual Senior Awards ceremony, honoring the Class of 2026 for exceptional achievements in academics, athletics, and the arts.
The evening celebrated top academic achievers, including this year’s valedictorian, and recognized local scholarship recipients preparing for their next chapters. In a historic milestone, NHS also honored its inaugural cohort of students to earn the California State Seal of Civic Engagement, recognizing their dedication to community service and civic advocacy.
Thank you to CTE Digital Media for taking this photo!
Natomas Unified Seniors Celebrate College and Athletic Commitments
Natomas and Inderkum high schools recently celebrated graduating seniors as they commit to higher education.
Natomas High School hosted its College Signing Day, honoring the diverse post-graduation paths of the Class of 2026. Meanwhile, Inderkum High School celebrated standout student-athletes Nariyah, who committed to run track at San Jose State University, and Karianna, who will wrestle for Vanguard University.
Congratulations to all of our seniors on taking these exciting next steps!
Congratulations Class of 2026: Senior Profiles of Hayden and Michael
Just one week until the last day of school and for seniors - graduation. Meet seniors Hayden and Michael.
Hayden, Leroy Greene Academy
For graduating senior Hayden, the path to her dream career runs straight to Sacramento State, where she plans to major in child development and follow in her alumni parents' footsteps to become a teacher. Hayden is one of many district seniors who took advantage of the guaranteed admission partnership with Sac State, which ensures enrollment for any graduating senior who meets standard CSU requirements and applies.
Michael, Discovery High School
Michael says he is excited about graduating from high school and has been getting his work done. Michael plans to get a job after graduation. He advises younger students to be consistent, as work can pile up.
Sports
Amey Clocks Fastest Time in the State while Breaking School Record
Congratulations to Inderkum High School’s Josiah Amey for recently having the fastest high school time in the state of California for the 110m hurdles! Josiah blazed past his competition breaking a school record and clinching the D2 Section Champ Title! Next up is Masters and the CIF State Championship. Amey has committed to continue his track journey at California State University Fullerton.
Lions Win Section Quarter Finals
The Leroy Greene Academy varsity softball team headed to the DVII CIF-SJS Section Semifinals after a commanding 11-5 victory over Denair High School in the second round quarter finals.
They then traveled to #1 seed LeGrand and lost to a very strong team. Great season, Lions!
Parent University
Prepare Your Child for Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten with Parent University
Starting school is a major milestone for the child and their parents. To help ensure a smooth transition, Natomas Unified School District invites parents/guardians to an engaging Parent University session designed to support families through this exciting process. This is geared to families with students beginning transitional kindergarten and kindergarten.
Attendees will learn:
- What a typical school day looks like
- Practical ways to support their student's learning and social experience
- What to expect during the first weeks of school
- Actionable steps to prepare their child over the summer
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026
- Time: 6 to 7 PM
- Location: Online via Zoom
Secure your spot today by registering at natomasparentuniversity.com.
Bulletin Board
NUSD Sites Closed in Recognition of Memorial Day 2026
All NUSD sites will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in recognition of Memorial Day. Classes resume Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Get Your Free SacRT RydeFreeRT Cards for the 2026-27 School Year
Free Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) cards are now available for students in Transitional Kindergarten through 12th grade. Families can pick up a card directly from the Natomas Unified School District’s Welcome Center, located at 1931 Arena Boulevard.
These free RydeFreeRT cards allow students to ride the entire SacRT transit network for free—including SacRT buses, light rail, and the SmaRT Ride on-demand microtransit service. The new cards are valid from June 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
To learn more about the program, visit www.sacrt.com/rydefreert. For questions or additional information, please contact the Communications and Family Engagement Department at communications@natomasunified.org.
NUSD to Provide Free Summer Meals for Youth: June 3 – July 31
Natomas Unified is proud to participate in the Summer Meal Program, ensuring that youth in our community have access to nutritious meals during the summer break. From June 3 through July 31, 2026, free breakfast and lunch will be available to all children 18 and younger.
Daily Meal Schedule:
- Breakfast: 7 – 7:30 a.m.
- Lunch: 11 – 11:30 a.m.
Participating School Sites: Meals will be served Monday through Friday at the following locations:
- Bannon Creek School
- Natomas Middle School
- Witter Ranch Elementary
- Natomas High School
- Two Rivers Elementary
Note: Per program regulations, all meals must be consumed on-site. There is no meal service on observed holidays.
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