In the Loop
In the Loop Staff Newsletter - March 6, 2026
Kay Recede
Important Dates
Weekly Wrap Up
Watch this week’s Weekly Wrap Up here, to catch up on the highlights from the week ending March 6, 2026.
Staff Spotlight
2026 Nutrition Services Classified Employee of the Year: Kim-Uyen Wilusz
Kim-Uyen Wilusz, a food services team leader in the central kitchen, has been named the Classified Employee of the Year in the Food and Nutrition Services category.
Wilusz consistently exceeds expectations through her exceptional hospitality and meticulous attention to detail. Attendees at tonight’s reception will have the opportunity to experience the high-quality work of her and her team firsthand.
Congratulations and thank you, Ms. Wilusz, for your dedication to our district and our students!
Celebrations
Highlight Reel from 2026 CIF SJS Div IV Championship Game
Fresh off their CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV championship title, the Natomas High School Nighthawks kept their momentum alive with a victory over Carlmont High School in the first round of the CIF State Basketball Championship and the second round against San Lorenzo on Thursday. Check out this highlight reel from last Friday’s (Feb. 27) game.
The Nighthawks will now host #4 seed Priory in the CIF-State semi-finals. The game is scheduled for Saturday, Mar. 7, 7 p.m. at Natomas High School.
Let’s keep the energy high as our Nighthawks continue their state title run!
Celebrating Our Diversity
America's Got Talent Winner Brandon Leake Headlines Inderkum High School's BSU Night
Inderkum High School celebrated its Black Student Union (BSU) Night on Friday, featuring a headline performance by Brandon Leake. The Stockton native and winner of Season 15 of "America’s Got Talent" was among the many highlights of the evening.
The event showcased the diverse talents of the Inderkum community, featuring original student artwork, local food trucks and an open mic session.
"I feel like it will help us come together more as a school and as a community," said Naomi, a student emcee for the event.
Empowering Girls, Inspiring Futures: A Spotlight on ‘All Things Pretty’
In honor of Women’s History Month, Natomas Unified is highlighting girl-focused mentorship programs across our district. One such program, All Things Pretty (ATP), provides dedicated mentorship to NUSD scholars, focusing on developing character, confidence and charisma.
Olea Harris, CEO and founder of ATP, said the program was born out of advocacy.
"We believe that if our students are whole, our families are whole, that we could build an entire community of whole individuals," Harris said.
The impact is felt directly by the students. "I love All Things Pretty... it gave me more confidence," said Kymberli-Ann, a student participant.
NUSD Hosts Second Annual ‘Empower U’ Young Men’s Summit
Natomas Unified hosted its second annual Empower U Young Men’s Summit on Saturday, Feb. 28. The dynamic event was designed for male students in grades 5-12 to connect, grow and find inspiration through mentorship and community engagement.
The summit served as a vital touchpoint for students, providing direct access to resources tailored to support their students' academic and personal success.
While students engaged with mentors, parents participated in a calming Sip & Paint session, creating an enriching and supportive experience for the entire family.
Supt’s Corner
Superintendent Attends Natomas High School’s Black Excellence Awards
Superintendent Dr. Robyn Castillo joined students, staff and families this past weekend for the Natomas High School Black Excellence Awards.
The event served as a formal celebration of student achievement, honoring scholars for their academic success, leadership and community impact, and it’s always held during Black History month.
"Enjoyed attending Natomas High’s Black Excellence Ball Awards Ceremony last night!" Dr. Castillo shared via Instagram. "So many amazing scholars recognized."
Natomas Unified remains committed to celebrating the diverse achievements of our students and fostering a culture where every scholar is seen and supported.
Read to Succeed
Student-athletes from Inderkum High School’s Athletes Committed club visited H. Allen Hight Elementary School on Wednesday to participate in "Reading Buddies."
The event is designed to forge connections across grade levels while helping elementary students build literacy skills and a stronger affinity for reading. By pairing high school mentors with younger scholars, the program fosters a unique environment where academic growth and community leadership meet.
A sincere thank you to the Inderkum students and their coaches who dedicated their Wednesday morning to this event.
The Reading Buddies program is a key component of the Natomas Unified School District Read to Succeed Early Literacy Initiative, which supports foundational reading skills and builds positive student relationships throughout the district.
Slam Dunk for Literacy: Slamson Visits Jefferson School
First-grade scholars received a special surprise Tuesday with a visit from Slamson, the Sacramento Kings mascot.
This exciting event was made possible by community partner VSP, which donated goodie bags filled with books and coloring supplies for scholars. We are grateful to VSP for its commitment to literacy and for helping our students discover the joy of reading.
Arts in NUSD
Natomas Middle School Scholars Participate in Regional Performance at University of the Pacific
Natomas Middle School band students traveled to the University of the Pacific last weekend for "Pacific Woodwind and Brass Day." Throughout the event, students worked directly with professors from the university's Conservatory of Music in intensive master classes and rehearsals.
The day culminated in a large-scale performance featuring NMS scholars alongside some of the most talented young musicians from across Northern California.
CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Students Get a Taste of CTE Hospitality
Heron students got a taste of the Career Technical Education (CTE) Hospitality Pathway on a recent field trip. During the visit, the younger student chefs learned how to put a charcuterie board together.
Bulletin Board
NUSD Seeks Community Input on School Facilities
Natomas Unified School District is seeking community feedback on future facility needs. Community members are invited to attend a meeting at Natomas Park Elementary, Monday, March 9, at 5:30 pm.
No registration is required to attend. For more information and to view highlights of recently completed projects, visit natomasunified.org/community/school-facilities.
Free Books at the 3rd Annual Multicultural Festival
Meet children’s book authors and receive a free copy of their book at the 3rd annual Multicultural Festival’s Family Literacy Circle. This year’s lineup includes authors:
- Dr. JaCiara Johnson
- Maritere Rodriguez Bellas
- Lori Nakamura
- Jennie Tammar
The Family Literacy Circle is just one of the many events families may enjoy for free at the festival. The event takes place Saturday, April 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Inderkum High School. Register here. We also have an opportunity for families to paint and be guided by an artist. Spots are limited. The paint session is recommended for parents/guardians and children 8 and up. Register for the Paint session here.
Your Class, Your Schedule: Enroll Now at Larry G. Meeks Academy
Larry G. Meeks Academy (LGMA) is a virtual school that blends flexible online learning with vibrant in-person opportunities, including dance, sports and campus gatherings. At LGMA, we prioritize student agency with the motto: Your class, your schedule.
Enrollment is now open for students in grades 3-8 for the 2026-27 school year. Families interested in joining our community can begin the process by visiting lma.natomasunified.org.
Virtual Informational Sessions
To learn more about the LGMA experience, families are invited to attend one of our upcoming virtual sessions:
Tuesday, March 24: Noon to 1 p.m.
Thursday, March 26: 4 to 5 p.m.
Register here.
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