In the Loop
In the Loop Staff Newsletter - April 10, 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 April 10, 2026.
Staff Spotlight
2026 Health and Student Services Classified Employee of the Year: Vanessa Lee
Congratulations to Vanessa Lee, an NUSD licensed vocational nurse!
Lee has been selected as the 2026 Classified Employee of the Year in the Health and Student Services category. Colleagues describe Lee as someone who can be depended on every single day. Her contributions strengthen the quality of care and services NUSD provides to its students.
Congratulations and thank you, Lee, for your dedication to our community!
Celebrations
Time to Celebrate! 3rd Annual Multicultural Festival Takes Place Saturday, April 11
Join Natomas Unified for food, activities and performances at the third annual Multicultural Festival! The event will be held at Inderkum High School from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 11. All activities are indoors.
Attendees can enjoy giveaways, dance lessons, a free farmers market and more.
Pre-register and learn more here.
A Championship Season: Natomas High Basketball Honored by State Senator
State Sen. Angelique Ashby recognized the Natomas High School varsity basketball team at the State Capitol this week for an outstanding season. The Nighthawks were the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV Champions and CIF-State Semi-Finalists. Congratulations, Nighthawks!
NUSD Hosts 2026 Substitute Appreciation Event
Natomas Unified School District recognized its substitute employees during the 2026 annual Substitute Appreciation Event. We are incredibly grateful for our substitutes and all they do to support our students and staff every day. Thank you!
Witter Ranch Hawks Get Heart-Healthy With American Heart Association Visit
Jump rope, running in place, and squats were a few of the exercises Witter Ranch Elementary Hawks enjoyed this week, thanks to community partner the American Heart Association. The organization visited students as part of the Kids Heart Challenge.
During the visit, Hawks learned about the 2025-26 Lifesavers League, a group of "super pups" that promote healthy habits. To help students stay active, the American Heart Association also donated jump ropes and other physical education equipment to the school.
Supt’s Corner
NUSD Open Houses: Highlights From Superintendent Dr. Castillo’s Recent Visits
Superintendent Dr. Robyn Castillo visited open house events across NUSD over the last two weeks. Check out some of the highlights in this collage from her Instagram profile.
Facilities
Tour Natomas Park Elementary With Student Zayah
Take a tour of Natomas Park Elementary with student Zayah. The campus, which serves transitional kindergarten through sixth-grade students, features updated playground and shade structures, a two-story classroom building with shared learning spaces and many other modern amenities.
NPE is just one example of Natomas Unified School District’s commitment to creating safe, engaging environments for student learning. To learn more about ongoing renovations and new construction, visit natomasunified.org/departments/facilities-and-strategic-planning.
Bulletin Board
Call for Volunteers: Inderkum High School Senior Service Night
Every year, each Inderkum High School senior volunteers 30 hours to a non-profit organization, then gives a presentation about what they did and how they grew.
On Sr. Service Night, May 15, 2026, students will be in classrooms all over campus to share their presentations with their families and the community.
We'd love for you to join us and SERVE AS A JUDGE in one of these classrooms. It's a great chance to see students at their best and be encouraged by all the work they are doing.
Complimentary dinner begins at 5:30 followed by a short training at 6:15, then presentations from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Click here to register.
It’s a night you don’t want to miss!
Join Natomas Unified at the 2026 Teacher and Leader Career Fair
Natomas Unified School District is seeking dedicated educators to join our team at the 2026 Teacher and Leader Career Fair, presented by the Sacramento County Office of Education and the School of Education. We invite all aspiring and experienced educators to meet with our team to discuss career opportunities.
Discover current openings within NUSD at edjoin.org/natomasunified.
Date: Saturday, May 2
Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: SCOE Mather Site, 10474 Mather Blvd.
Register: scoe.net/careerfair
Pedal With Purpose: Jibe’s Annual Bike Swap to Benefit Joey’s Food Locker
Do you have a rideable bicycle taking up space in your garage? Natomas Unified, in partnership with Jibe of North Natomas, invites the community to the annual Bike Swap this April.
Whether you are looking to sell a bike, purchase a used one or donate a ride to a student in need, this event supports both local mobility and Joey’s Food Locker. Proceeds and bike donations help ensure that students and community members have reliable transportation and access to essential resources.
Event Details
The swap will take place at the North Natomas Aquatic Center parking lot:
- Friday, April 24: 4–7 p.m.
- Saturday, April 25: 9 a.m. – noon
- Sunday, April 26: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: 2631 New Market Drive, Sacramento
How You Can Participate
The Bike Swap offers a variety of ways to get involved:
- Donate: Drop off a rideable bike to benefit a student or community member.
- Sell: List your used bike for sale to a new owner.
- Purchase: Find an affordable, used bicycle and support a great cause.
By participating, you help Jibe and NUSD foster a culture of sustainability and community support. For more information on how to prep your bike for the swap, visit the Jibe website.
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