In the Loop
In the Loop Staff Newsletter - September 6, 2024
Aaron Belman
Staff Spotlight
Slow for the Cone Zone
Dressed in bright orange cone costumes; Jefferson School’s Principal Danisha Keeler, and Assistant Principal Renald Edwards; reminded drivers on Thursday, August 29th to “slow for the cone zone.”
Check out this short video of the two reminding motorists to keep it slow, while keeping it fun.
Two Rivers Staff Reminds Students to “Activate Potential”
Two Rivers Elementary staff members recently modeled “Activating Potential” t-shirts on Tuesday, the site’s college day. Staff wrote on the school’s Instagram page that the shirts are part of the AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) belief that all students prepare for college and career readiness at its site.
Mindful attire, Two Rivers Otters!
College and Career
Third Year in a Row District Pays College Application Fees for First UC and CSU Applications for NUSD Seniors!
Natomas Unified School District (NUSD) is excited to continue paying the first application fees for NUSD high school seniors who meet the eligibility requirements for admission to the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) campuses for fall 2025. This effort was launched in fall 2022 and is in support of our efforts to prepare students to be college and career ready, and another way to increase college access.
The application fee to apply to a UC is $80 per campus and the fee to apply to a CSU is $70 per campus. To remove potential financial barriers for students to apply, NUSD will pay for this year’s 12th-grade students’ application fees for their first CSU and their first UC applications. Families could potentially save $150 in application fees if their student applies to one UC and one CSU.
In addition, some of our seniors are eligible for application fee waivers directly with UC and CSU because of their family income. We encourage those seniors to take advantage of the fee waivers because it allows them to apply to up to four UC campuses and four CSU campuses at no cost. If seniors who utilized the UC/CSU waiver want to apply to a 5th UC and/or CSU campus, NUSD will cover the cost of the 5th application.
Our high school counseling teams will be on hand to support seniors through this process, which includes support to complete the reimbursement procedure. Counselors will also be available to assist students with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA, or the California Dream Act Application, known as the CADAA. Please stay tuned for information from your student’s school about upcoming events and resources available to families.
NUSD remains committed to providing students with multiple pathways to continue their educational journey upon graduating from high school.
NUSD College Fair
Families of high school students are invited to attend our Annual NUSD College Fair on September 18th at Inderkum High School.
NUSD Preps its Students for College: Featured on Univision (Spanish TV)
Univision, a Spanish news medium, recently highlighted how our district prepares students for college. Dariana and Damian, two students, and Ana Garcia, a College and Career Coordination Specialist at Inderkum High School, were interviewed. The trio shared information about our International Baccalaureate program, Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathways, and classes that allow students to obtain college credit through programs such as California Early College Academy and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
College preparatory classes are offered at all of our high school sites.
Univision’s video story may be viewed here.
Coming Soon
You’re Invited: B. Teri Burns Health Center Ribbon Cutting
Join us for the B. Teri Burns Health Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Saturday, September 21st, at 9 am. The new facility will provide healthcare access to uninsured and underinsured families. Services such as vaccinations, flu shots, and dental visits will be provided. A classroom inside the building is also being prepared for students aspiring to become healthcare professionals post high school. Students in our Health Pathway at Natomas High School will have access to the classroom and real-world experiences at the clinic. To RSVP, click here.
The new clinic is located across the street from Natomas High School and will replace our district’s current B. Teri Burns Health Center, near Joey’s Food Locker on the campus of Natomas High School.
Superintendent’s Corner
Dr. Robyn Castillo Cheers on NUSD Sports Teams
Superintendent Dr. Robyn Castillo continues to cheer on Natomas Unified sports teams. Recently, Castillo went to the Natomas Nighthawks Football Team’s first home game vs Ponderosa and Girl’s Volleyball game against Lindhurst as shared in her Instagram.
Despite the loss against Ponderosa, the Nighthawks’ football players showed toughness and grit against a very strong team.
Awards
Heredia-Arriaga School Receives Sacramento Business Journal Real Estate Award
With its fresh features and well-designed learning spaces, Heredia-Arriaga School has been awarded The Sacramento Business Journal’s “2024 Best Real Estate Project of the Year Award - Public School”. Dr. Susan Heredia, NUSD’s Board President; and Salvador Arriaga, Heredia’s husband and longtime bilingual education advocate, are the namesakes of the school. This is the first dual language (English/Spanish) immersion program in the district. Currently, transitional kindergarten through first grade is taught at the campus, which opened in the 2023-24 school year. Each year, a new grade level will be added, up to eighth grade.
Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year will open in January 2025. If your student will be in transitional kindergarten through second grade, visit our enrollment page to prepare.
Attendance Matters
Assembly to Recognize Amazing Attendance
Witter Ranch Elementary Hawks recently celebrated and recognized classes with the best attendance for the month of August. Congratulations to the students in these classes who show up to school every day and on time! They were honored in front of their classmates.
This is just one example of how our school site staff encourages students to get to school every day, on time, and to be eager to learn. For more resources on how to help your student stay on track with strong attendance, visit our NUSD attendance page.
Building Student Leaders
Fifth Graders Build Leadership Skills in Mentorship Program
Fifth grade mentors recently met their kindergarten buddies for the 2024-25 school year at Paso Verde School. This picture was taken during the scholars’ first meeting. The mentors and mentees will continue to meet over the school year, get to know each other and build friendships that are sure to inspire. This supports our efforts to ensure students feel welcome and connected while at school.
Fun Friday turns into Clean Campus
A “Fun Friday” event turned into a campus cleanup recently at Jefferson School. School site leaders say the students, a part of the “Role Models” group, decided to volunteer their “Fun Friday” into a positive action to benefit the school community. The scholars cleaned up the campus by collecting trash, sweeping, and simply taking care of the facility that they use. “They did amazing and truly are role models for all of the scholars across the campus. We appreciate them,” school administrators said.
The 2024-25 school year is the largest group of scholars the school has had, actively involved in “Role Models.”
Early Enrollment
Enrollment Open for TK - First Grade
There are still some spots open for transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, and first-grade students! If you know of a family with children of this age who would benefit from enrolling in our schools, please share this information. To register, visit natomasunified.org/enrollment.
Parent University
Share Feedback: Register for “Diverse Conversations”
Parent University is hosting its first Diverse Conversations of the school year to discuss and receive feedback on the district’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. We need as many diverse voices as possible to have a well-rounded discussion. We need you! Two sessions are offered to accommodate parents' availability. Register for the session that best fits your schedule.
Career Technical Education (CTE)
Inderkum High School Alumni Featured on SEVA TV
Anisha Dwarka is a self-published author who is featured in a SEVA TV segment called, “How to Write a Publish a Book”. In the clip, Dwarka shares advice on coming up with themes, planning and outlining a book, and advice to address writer's block. Dwarka graduated from Inderkum High School in 2024 and learned digital media skills in the Broadcast Media CTE program.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
An EAP is a service designed to help you manage life’s challenges. Everyone needs a helping hand once in a while, and the EAP can provide it. Professional counselors and services can help you and your eligible family members resolve a broad range of personal problems affecting your emotional health, family life, and work life. EAP is a no-cost, confidential resource for NUSD employees and their eligible family members.
DID YOU KNOW?
Natomas Unified School District was named the second most diverse school district in the nation in 2024 by Niche.com, and in a 2016 New York Times study. Diversity encompasses a broad spectrum of backgrounds, perspectives, identities, and experiences that collectively enrich our community. It goes beyond visible differences like race and gender to include socioeconomic status, cultural heritage, abilities, and more. Embracing diversity means valuing each person's unique contributions and fostering an environment where empathy, understanding, and respect thrive among students, educators, and staff. This inclusive approach creates a supportive atmosphere where everyone can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.
Understanding diversity also involves addressing systemic inequities to ensure fairness and equal opportunities for all members of our school community. This commitment requires ongoing education, open dialogue, and proactive efforts to promote equity and inclusivity. By celebrating diversity and actively working to dismantle barriers, we prepare our students to engage meaningfully in a global society with integrity and compassion for the diverse world around them.
Celebrate diversity with Natomas Unified!
Call EAP at 1-866-248-4096 to get connected with a WorkLife Advisor, 8:00am - 6:00 pm CT or information can be found online at liveandworkwell.com.
If accessing online for the first time, click register now, follow the prompts, and select SIA-SIA when prompted for the company code.
Upcoming EAP Webinars (Click the title to access links):
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SEPTEMBER |
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WEBINAR TITLE |
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9/11 |
5:30 - 6:30pm |
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9/12 |
5:30 - 6:30pm |
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9/16 |
5:30 - 6:30pm |
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9/18 |
12 - 1 pm |
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9/20 |
5:30 - 6:30pm |
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9/23 |
5:30 - 7:30pm |
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9/25 |
5:30 - 6:30pm |
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9/26 |
5:30 - 7:30pm |
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OCTOBER |
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DATE |
WEBINAR TITLE |
TIME |
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10/3 |
Supporting Yourself and Others Through Perinatal Infertility/Loss |
5:30 - 6:30pm |
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10/7 |
5:30 - 6:30pm |
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10/9 |
5:30 - 7 pm |
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10/17 |
5:30 - 6:30pm |
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10/23 |
12 - 1 pm |
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10/28 |
5:30 - 6:30pm |
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NUSD Newsroom Hub
The NUSD Newsroom Hub web page is a dedicated place to access current and past NUSD media such as news articles, Board Highlights, newsletters, Last Week’s Wrap Up, videos, and podcasts all produced by the district’s Communications and Family Engagement team known as CAFE. Check out our page here.