In the Loop

In the Loop Staff Newsletter - February 6, 2026

Kay Recede

Feb 6 2026 1:00 PM

Important Dates

The image displays a list of upcoming events for the Natomas Unified School District, including National African American/Black History Month, President Abraham Lincoln's Birthday, and President's Day.

Weekly Wrap Up

Watch this week’s Weekly Wrap Up here, to catch up on the highlights from the week ending February 6, 2026.

Supt’s Corner

Superintendent & NUSD Community Celebrates 2026 Every Student Succeeding Recipients

Superintendent Dr. Robyn Castillo, NUSD Board of Trustees, district staff, and families came together to celebrate the 2026 Every Student Succeeding recipients at Bannon Creek School on Friday. The following students have exemplified resilience and leadership. We are very proud!

American Lakes School - Alonso
Bannon Creek School - Rodney “RJ”
Discovery High School - Anna
H. Allen Hight Elementary- Hung
Heron School - Jarmon
Inderkum High School - Aaron
Jefferson School - Ezra
Larry G. Meeks Academy - Olivia
Leroy Greene Academy - Roberto
Natomas High School Miykilah
Natomas Park Elementary - Ivan
Paso Verde School - Bahir “Newt”
Two Rivers Elementary - Elisabeth
Witter Ranch Elementary - Zekiah

Superintendent Cheers on Natomas Park Elementary Scholar for ACSA Award

The image shows a stage with two women presenting an award to a young person, while in the background, a group of people are gathered around a projected image of a person.

Dr. Robyn Castillo also attended the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Every Student Succeeding (ESS) event earlier this week, as Natomas Park Elementary scholar, Ivan, was recognized. The event celebrates ESS recipients statewide.

Dr. Castillo shared the moment on Instagram with this message: “Congratulations to Ivan Embra from Natomas Park for being the ACSA Region 3 Every Student Succeeding Award recipient representing Natomas Unified! We are so proud of you!”

Read to Succeed

Read Along with NUSD Student Olivia - The Me I Choose To Be

Continue our celebration of African American/Black History Month by reading The Me I Choose to Be by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley alongside NUSD student Olivia. Featuring stunning artwork, the book affirms and empowers readers to explore endless possibilities while celebrating the beauty of Black and Brown children.

Our celebration also took us to Bannon Creek School, where scholars enjoyed the story of Victor Hugo in Going Places by Tonya Bolden. Watch the video here.

Celebrations

Heron 4th Graders Explore Broadcast Media and Public Safety at Inderkum High

Heron Elementary 4th graders recently visited Inderkum High School to explore the Broadcast Media pathway. During the visit, students had hands-on opportunities to try out cameras, practice anchoring, and learn about television production, media careers, and essential workplace skills- all with guidance from Inderkum’s high school media mentors.

This collaboration is part of NUSD’s Career Technical Education (CTE) career exploration field trips, designed to introduce students to future college and career options.

All Things Pretty Family Night January 29, 2026

Thank you to all of the families who celebrated with community partner All Things Pretty on Thursday, January 29, 2026! The families met mentors, played games, and danced. They also saw what ATP is all about: kindness, self confidence, and pursuing goals.

All Things Pretty, Inc. empowers young girls and women by building self-esteem and creating a stable, safe, and supportive community through mentorship at several NUSD schools.

Sipping Success: Jefferson Scholars Celebrate Perfect Attendance

Hot chocolate was the sweet reward for Jefferson scholars who arrived at school every day and on time throughout the month of January! We are proud of our students for making attendance a priority and showing their commitment to learning.

Staff Spotlight

Celebrating NUSD School Counselors 2026

NUSD School Counselors Group Photo 2-2-2026

Happy National School Counseling Week!

NUSD is proud to recognize and celebrate our school counselors every day and especially during National School Counseling Week, February 2–6. Thank you to our counselors for the vital role you play in supporting students and amplifying their success in school and beyond.

Meet the Safety and Safe Schools Team: Claude Noble, Safety Liaison

Meet Climate and Safety Liaison Claude Noble! Noble is a part of the NUSD’s Safety and Safe Schools Department and is committed to securing our campuses to ensure they’re not only safe, but that students feel connected and supported.

Noble is a retired deputy probation officer and a former substitute teacher. He also trains NUSD crosswalk staff and is a certified CPR/first aid instructor for our District. Noble supports Natomas Middle, Heron, and H. Allen Hight schools.

Student Spotlight

SVAC Students Inspire Young Scholars Through Reading and High School Advice

A group of people, mostly young adults, are standing together in what appears to be an indoor setting, wearing matching t-shirts with a graphic design.

High school students from the Student Voices Advisory Council (SVAC) spent time reading to younger scholars as part of NUSD’s Read to Succeed Initiative. In addition to sharing stories, the students offered valuable advice to 8th graders on how to prepare for the transition to high school.

Thank you to the students and staff at Heron School, Paso Verde School, H. Allen Hight, and Natomas Middle School for helping make this meaningful event a success.

SVAC is comprised of high school representatives from Leroy Greene Academy, Natomas High School, and Inderkum High School who work to uplift student voices across NUSD.

The image depicts a classroom setting with students engaged in various activities, such as reading, drawing, and interacting with each other. The classroom appears to be well-stocked with bookshelves, educational materials, and comfortable seating arrangements, creating an inviting and stimulating learning environment.

Two Rivers Otters Share Why Attendance Matters

Showing up to school on time and every day matters! Just watch these Two Rivers Elementary scholars share their thoughts on growing your brain, learning to read, and more in this adorable video featured on the school’s Instagram. Their insights say it all!

Sports

Inderkum Student-Athletes Commit to Play at the Next Level

Congratulations to these four Inderkum High students who have excelled both on and off the playing field and are now committed to play at the next level!

Football

Izacc Ramirez — University of Puget Sound
Asaiah Gibbons — University of Puget Sound

Softball

Brooke Aboosh — Concordia University
Aubrey Rios — William Jessup University

Thank you to their families, friends, coaches, and Superintendent Dr. Robyn Castillo for coming out to celebrate and support these student-athletes during their signing on Wednesday.

Celebrating Girls & Women Who Lead and Inspire Through Sports

On Wednesday, we celebrated the women who lead and coach and the girls who compete, lead, and inspire through athletics during National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Your dedication, leadership, and determination make a lasting impact that extends far beyond the game.

We are proud to recognize and celebrate all of our NUSD coaches and student-athletes who continue to break barriers and uplift one another through sports.

Bulletin Board

The image features a colorful illustration of a domed building, likely a capitol or government structure, surrounded by flowers and decorative elements. The background is a vibrant purple color, and the text announces the 3rd Annual LGBTQIA+ Student Conference hosted by the Natomas Unified School District.

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