In the Loop
In the Loop Staff Newsletter - November 7, 2025
Kay Recede
Important Dates
Weekly Wrap Up
Supt’s Corner
Superintendent Dr. Robyn Castillo Honors School Psychologists
This week, Superintendent Dr. Robyn Castillo recognized our amazing school psychologists, as part of National School Psychology Week. Castillo captioned this group photo on her Instagram, “Happy National School Psychology Week to all our amazing School Psychologists! We appreciate all you do to support our scholars!”
You can catch up with Dr. Castillo through her Instagram page.
Read to Succeed
Reading Buddies: SVAC Students Engage Young Readers
High school students from the Student Voices Advisory Council (SVAC) spent time reading to some of our younger scholars as part of NUSD’s Read to Succeed Initiative.
Thank you to the students and staff of American Lakes, Bannon Creek, and Jefferson for collaborating to make this “Reading Buddies” event a success!
SVAC is made up of high school representatives from Leroy Greene Academy, Natomas High School, and Inderkum High School.
Jefferson Students Honored by Sacramento Kings' Slamson for Excelling in Math and Reading
The Sacramento Kings’ Slamson surprised Jefferson Elementary scholars to celebrate their recent academic achievements in reading and math!
Check out the highlights in this video.
Read to Succeed: Fauja Singh Keeps Going Read Along
As part of our district’s continued celebration of Sikh American Appreciation and Awareness Month, students can read the book Fauja Singh Keeps Going available in our elementary and K-8 libraries and enjoy it with our virtual read-along with Paso Verde School’s Assistant Principal Mandeep Biring.
Read to Succeed: Powwow Day Read Along
As part of our district’s continued celebration of National Native American Heritage Month, watch this read along video of the book Powwow Day by Traci Sorell.
Meet the Author
And the celebration continues! Join us on November 13th for a virtual read aloud with author Traci Sorell, who will share her book Powwow Day. Families who register and attend the Parent University session will receive a free copy of the book.
Register at natomasparentuniversity.com
Read to Succeed Tip: Mix it Up with Different Types of Reading
NUSD student Anshika shares another tip to encourage families to read together: mix it up with different types of reading. Read poems, storybooks, chapter books, novels, and more.
For more tips, read alongs, and activity guides, visit: www.natomasunified.org/read-to-succeed-early-learners-initiative
Sacramento County Library’s New Look
The Sacramento Public Library has launched a brand new website to make accessing their information in support of literacy much easier. Some of the new features include a streamlined navigation to find what you want easier and quicker and increased translations for 13 languages. Check it out.
Celebrations
Joey’s Food Locker Receives Emergency Response Grant from Sacramento Food Bank
Thank you to our community partner, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, for awarding Joey’s Food Locker a $30,000 grant. This generous support will help our district continue serving the growing number of families who rely on the free food pantry. Did you know, 71-percent of families served at Joey’s Food Locker are from Natomas and surrounding communities?
The funds will be used to strengthen operations through the purchase of food and supplies, equipment, and other essential resources.
2025 Turkey Drive
The grant will also help Joey’s Food Locker prepare for its annual Turkey Drive on Friday, November 21st from 12 to 2 pm. Turkey and sides will be given to families on a first come, first serve basis. Families must be physically present to receive donations and are encouraged to carpool to ease traffic congestion. Recipients must be registered in Oasis to receive food. If you have not already done so, please complete the registration form here.
November Hours
This November, Joey’s Food Locker will operate on a modified schedule in observance of Veterans Day and Thanksgiving. Please review the updated days and times below to plan your visit:
- Thursday, November 6 – Open, 4:00–5:30 p.m.
- Thursday, November 13 – Closed in observance of Veterans Day
- Friday, November 21 – Turkey Drive, 12:00–2:30 p.m.
- Thursday, November 27 – Closed in observance of Thanksgiving
Joey’s Food Locker is located on the Natomas High School campus. Families in need of food may pick up groceries via drive-thru or walk-up service.
For questions, please contact Osvaldo Ortiz at oortiz@natomasunified.org or (916) 870-1659.
From NUSD to CSU Sacramento: Sacramento Community is a Great Place to Be
Meet Adrian, a senior at Natomas High School. Adrian shares that he is choosing Sac State because of its cost effectiveness, easy commute, and his love for the Sacramento community.
NUSD scholars are encouraged to apply by December 1st. Graduating seniors who meet minimum CSU requirements are GUARANTEED ADMISSION. Apply here: csus.edu/apply
To qualify, students must:
- Complete A–G coursework
- Earn a 2.5 GPA or higher
- Graduate with a high school diploma
Heredia-Arriaga Recognized for Most Improved Attendance in NUSD
Heredia-Arriaga School has been recognized as the most improved elementary school in attendance across Natomas Unified School District for the 2024–25 school year.
“Heredia-Arriaga’s consistently high attendance rate is maintained through the collaborative efforts of our dedicated attendance team,” said Principal Yolanda Saca. “This team works closely with families to provide information and support for both planned and unexpected absences, ensuring communication channels are always open.”
Sports
Inderkum High School Football Team Clinches League Championship
On Senior Night, the Tigers clinched the league championship with an exciting victory over Ponderosa!
We celebrated our Football and Cheer seniors along with their proud families and friends who came out to show their support. The night also featured a portion of the traditional Senior Cheer and Parent Dance, complete with a fun “Thriller” performance!
It was a memorable evening for all. Next up - Playoffs! The Tigers were seeded #5 in Division 1 and will travel to #4 seed Monterey Trail Friday, November 14th.
Bulletin Board
Thank You, Veterans
This Veterans Day, we pause to honor and thank the brave men and women who have served our country.
Please note: All NUSD sites will be closed to the public on Monday, November 10th for staff development, and Tuesday, November 11th, in observance of Veterans Day.
Newsroom Hub
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