Spotlight Newsletter
Aaron Belman
Important Dates
Weekly Wrap Up
Watch this week’s Weekly Wrap Up here, to catch up on the highlights from the week ending May 8, 2026.
Celebrations
Spotlight Community Awards 2026
The NUSD community gathered for the 2nd Annual Community Spotlight Awards, an evening dedicated to those who provide exceptional support to our special education students. This year’s ceremony honored Amanda Lie, Amber Mena, Jenn Schaaf, Caleigh Swanson, Kevin Pham, Mandy Stellmacher, Pamela Viray, and Marisa Lau for their tireless work and commitment to enriching the lives of our scholars receiving special education services.
Congratulations Class of 2026: Senior Profiles of Bryan and Dariyah
Graduation is less than a month away. As seniors prepare their caps and gowns, NUSD will share video profiles leading up to the last week of May, highlighting our soon-to-be graduates.
Bryan, Natomas High School
Bryan says he feels mixed emotions about graduating. While Natomas High has felt like a second home, he is excited to major in business at Sacramento State. Bryan is one of hundreds of NUSD seniors who took advantage of guaranteed admission to California State University, Sacramento, by meeting university requirements.
Dariyah, Discovery High School
Dariyah says she has waited for this moment for a long time and is ready to graduate. She plans to enroll in community college and later transfer to pursue a career as a psychologist. Her advice to younger students is to start off strong, keep going and do your work.
Media Students Take Top Honors at 2026 SEVA Awards
Inderkum High School’s Broadcast Media Pathway and International Baccalaureate (IB) program were well-represented at the 2026 Student Educational Video Awards (SEVA). Our talented scholars took home several prestigious honors in a competition showcasing the best student filmmaking in the region. 2026 Award Recipients:
- 1st Place, Best Documentary: Juhie and Tanaya (IB and Broadcast Media)
- Honorable Mention/2nd Place, Best School Newscast: Tanaya and Juhie
- 2nd Place, Best School News Story: Luke and Grayson (IB and Broadcast Media)
- Merit Award, Instructional/How-To: Brooke (Broadcast Media)
Career Technical Education (CTE) Broadcast Media educator Melissa May was also honored. May received the inaugural Vernon Bisho Award to Melissa May, by Sacramento Educational Cable Consortium (SECC) for her dedication to bringing media skills inside the classroom. Check out the behind-the-scenes video of how she was surprised with this award here.
Congratulations to these students for their technical skill, creativity, and dedication to storytelling!
Natomas Students Deliver Powerful Civic Speeches at 2026 Law Day Event
Students from the NUSD Youth Leadership Academy (YLA)—a partnership with APAPA(Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association) —delivered powerful original speeches at a recent Law Day event.
Centered on the theme "The Rule of Law and the American Dream," their presentations explored identity and civic responsibility.
Hosted through the Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative, the event showcased how YLA prepares students for active community leadership through critical thinking and real-world civic action.
Entrepreneurship in Action: 3rd Grade Market Day
Paso Verde School’s 3rd Grade Market Day serves as a powerful culminating project where scholars apply real-world economic concepts. After studying production, business management, and the relationship between supply and demand, students design and sell their own products.
This interdisciplinary project aligns directly with third grade standards in social studies, mathematics, and language arts. Market Day reinforces financial literacy and critical thinking, showcasing our scholars' creativity in an authentic, impactful way.
NUSD’s Electric Bus Fleet Featured on KCRA for Sustainability and Cost Savings
Natomas Unified School District was recently highlighted by KCRA 3 News for its cost-efficient approach to student transportation. At a time when fuel prices remain at record highs, NUSD’s strategic switch to five electric school buses has already resulted in a 25% reduction in overall fleet fuel costs.
The transition was made possible through the district's proactive pursuit of available environmental grants, allowing NUSD to modernize its fleet without placing an additional burden on the general fund. This initiative serves as a primary example of NUSD’s commitment to being fiscally responsible while prioritizing a cleaner, safer environment for our students and community.
Supt’s Corner
NUSD Celebrates Adult Transition Program Class of 2026
Superintendent Dr. Robyn Castillo joined families and staff this past Monday to celebrate the newest graduates of the Natomas Unified Adult Transition Program. During the 2026 commencement ceremony, Dr. Castillo congratulated the scholars on their hard work and accomplishments.
To see more highlights and photos from this inspiring day, visit the Dr. Castillo’s official Instagram page: instagram.com/nusdsuperintendent.
Read to Succeed
NUSD Launches Region’s First Reading Corps Partnership
Natomas Unified is proud to announce a new partnership with Reading Corps, an AmeriCorps high-impact tutoring program. This collaboration marks the first of its kind in the Sacramento region, bringing specialized support directly to classrooms at H. Allen Hight, Bannon Creek School, Natomas Park Elementary and American Lakes School.
Reading Corps tutors work with our students one-on-one or in pairs to help them strengthen their reading skills. Meeting 20 minutes daily, students receive the consistent, evidence-based intervention they need to thrive.
NUSD is committed to exploring innovative ways to support student achievement, and we are excited to see the growth our students will achieve through this landmark partnership.
Join Us: Virtual Read Aloud with Minh Lê – May 12
Natomas Unified’s Parent University is proud to host author Minh Lê for a virtual literacy session on Tuesday, May 12, from 6 to 7 p.m.
During this Zoom event, Minh Lê will read from his book "Drawn Together," which explores how a grandfather and grandson find a common language through shared creativity. As a special thank you, families who register and attend the live session will be provided with a free copy of the book to add to their home library.
How to Register:
To sign up for this session and explore other upcoming Parent University opportunities, please visit natomasparentuniversity.com.
Sports
Paso Verde Claims 7/8th Grade Girls Soccer Championship Title
The Paso Verde School girls soccer program secured the 7/8th Grade Championship with a stellar performance. Entering the tournament as the undefeated #1 seed, the Pumas faced a resilient #3 seed Natomas Charter in the final match.
The Pumas maintained control throughout the game, finishing with a 4-0 victory to secure the banner. Beyond the scoreboard, the team was celebrated for their discipline and tactical execution on the field.
NUSD and the Paso Verde community would like to thank all the supporters who attended the game to provide a vibrant championship atmosphere for our student-athletes.
Heron School Flyers Secure 7/8th Grade Boys Soccer Championship
The Heron School boys soccer program capped off an incredible undefeated season by winning the 7/8th Grade Championship this week. Entering the tournament as the top seed, the Flyers faced off against #3 seed Natomas Charter in the final match held at Natomas High School.
The Flyers’ offense and defense worked in perfect harmony, leading to a decisive 5-0 win. The victory highlights the dedication and hard work of the student-athletes and their coaching staff throughout the season.
NUSD extends a sincere thank you to Natomas High School for hosting the tournament and to the families and fans who came out to support and make it a memorable championship environment.
Staff Spotlight
National Teacher Appreciation Day 2026
Natomas Unified proudly celebrates our incredible teachers this National Teacher Appreciation Day. We are deeply grateful for all that our educators do to inspire, support, and guide our students on their path to success.
Celebrating Our School Nurses 2026
School nurses play a critical role in supporting the health, wellness and academic success of students. On this National School Nurse Day, our district shows our gratitude to NUSD nurses for coordinating care and providing essential support for our students.
Congratulations 2026 Skilled Trades Services Classified Employee of the Year Nedzad Livadic
Nedzad Livadic, a maintenance specialist and electrician, has been named the Classified Employee of the Year in the skilled trades services category.
Livadic’s expertise was on full display this year during his work on the lighting at Heron School. Despite the technical difficulty of the light poles, he was determined to ensure the job was completed correctly. He even worked through the weekend to repair every pole, a commitment that has significantly improved campus safety at night.
Bulletin Board
Invitation to Participate in May 18th Facilities Meeting (NUSD)
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, May 18, 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.
Start Your Career in Cosmetology or Barbering with NUSD Adult Education
Are you ready to turn your passion for style into a professional career? Enrollment is now open for the Natomas Unified Adult Education Cosmetology and Barbering Licensure program for the 2026-27 school year!
Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive the required proof of training to sit for the California State Board exam.
Enrollment Requirements:
- Valid California ID
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of an academic assessment (by appointment)
- Completed registration packet and student agreement
Take the First Step Today:
To begin the enrollment process, call 916-928-5220 or email mtucker@natomasunified.org.
NUSD High School 9th - 11th Graders: Apply for the 2026 Semester at City Hall
Are you interested in leadership, politics, or making a difference in your community? Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are invited to apply for the 2026 Semester at City Hall.
This immersive program offers students a firsthand look at government operations and city leadership.
Participants will research a local issue they are passionate about and present their findings directly to the Sacramento City Council. Students can choose between two session options held at New City Hall (915 I Street, 1st Floor):
Session 1: June 22 – July 29 (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) | 9 a.m. to noon
Session 2: June 23 – July 29 (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays) | 9 a.m. to noon
Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable experience and have your voice heard at the city level! Register here.
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