Spotlight Newsletter
Aaron Belman
Important Dates
Supt’s Corner
In the Know with Dr. Robyn Castillo - 2024-25 School Year
Watch the highlights from the 2024-25 school year in this episode of NUSD’s In the Know with Dr. Robyn Castillo.
Staff Spotlight
Congratulations to 2025 Teacher of the Year - Travis Murray, Natomas High School
NUSD is proud to announce that Travis Murray, Career Technical Education Automotive Teacher of Natomas High School, has been named our district’s 2025 Teacher of the Year. School district leaders, including Superintendent Dr. Robyn Castillo, paid Murray a surprise visit on Wednesday with the recognition.
Murray is a dedicated and inspiring teacher who builds strong connections with students, both current and former—many of whom return to visit or have gone on to start their own businesses thanks to skills gained in his automotive class. In addition to teaching, he also leads the school drama club, directing multiple successful performances, and is a supportive, well-liked colleague.
Congratulations, Mr. Murray, and thank you for all that you do!
Celebrations
Congratulations to the Class of 2025
Huge congratulations to NUSD’s Class of 2025! After years of hard work and determination, graduation is almost here. As we approach graduation day, we are proud to spotlight our amazing seniors and the bright futures ahead!.
Discovery High School
Junior is weighing out his options and will pursue a career in culinary or nursing. Junior’s advice to younger high school students - don’t let the work catch up to you. You did it, Junior!
https://youtu.be/Hur-B-mHWUc
Kelani “Key” loves literature and will study at American River College for two years, then transfer to an Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Bravo, Key!
https://youtu.be/Wkg4eUVIoUQ
Natomas High School
Nadine is ready to work over the summer, then start her college career at UC Davis in the fall where she will study psychology. Kudos, Nadine!
https://youtu.be/6m5-k6lpPQs
Ravinder will study civil engineering at Sacramento State. He advises students to not procrastinate. Great advice, Ravinder!
https://youtu.be/pZQ5PFYYsIQ
Inderkum High School
Shalom will be attending Sacramento State and plans to study child development. She tells younger students to never give up and explore your career options through clubs and other programs in high school. We’re rooting for you, Shalom!
https://youtu.be/dxHfCglRQSU
Ricky is heading to Sierra College, where he plans on continuing to play football, then transfer to a four year university after the season. Great job, Ricky!
https://youtu.be/FIb2WYFulhk
Leroy Greene Academy
Jaxeon is excited to start his college journey at the University of California at Davis where he plans to study biomedical engineering. Way to go, Jaxeon!
https://youtu.be/jRuQg2UdaJ8
Ja’Niyah is heading to UC Riverside and plans to major biochemistry. She plans to go the pre-med route to become a dermatologist. Awesome job, Ja’Niyah!
https://youtu.be/WUnGhTmOk6U
We’re so proud of all of our graduating seniors! The last day of the 2024-25 school year is Friday, May 23rd.
Natomas High School Celebrates College Signing Day
Natomas High School recently hosted a College Signing Day to honor its graduating seniors and their exciting post-graduation plans.
Students proudly shared their next steps—whether attending a community college, state or private university, joining the military, or enrolling in a trade school.
We are incredibly proud of our Nighthawks and wish them all the best as they take flight into their next chapter!
NUSD Launches "Read to Succeed" with a Blast!
Natomas Unified School District kicked off its 2025–26 Read to Succeed Early Literacy Initiative with high energy and excitement for TK–2nd grade students during the “Blast Off with Books” launch event. Schools across the district hosted assemblies and fun literacy-themed activities and welcomed celebrity guest readers to inspire young scholars and ignite a love for reading.
Two Rivers Elementary was among many school sites buzzing excitedly on Friday, May 5th. Superintendent Dr. Robyn Castillo shared the district’s goals, saying, “We want our literacy rates to increase, our students to be excited about reading, and we’re committed to providing professional development for our staff so we can give the best to our students.”
The event marks the beginning of a focused effort to support early literacy, laying a strong foundation for student success.
Honoring Our Adult Transition Program Graduates
We were proud to celebrate the achievements of six students who completed their education through Natomas Unified School District’s Adult Transition Program.
On Monday, families, staff, and community members gathered at Natomas High School to recognize these inspiring graduates and their accomplishments. It was a memorable evening filled with pride, celebration, and support for our students as they move forward into the next chapter of their lives.
Empower U Young Boys Summit Inspires Connection and Growth
NUSD hosted its inaugural Empower U Young Boys Summit on Saturday, May 10th. Empower U was a dynamic event designed for boys in grades 7 through 12 to connect, grow, and find inspiration through mentorship and meaningful community engagement. This was a special event for our young men, who may need a little extra support, to get connected and aware of all the resources available to support their students.
Adding to the experience, the adults who attended alongside their students participated in a session on the importance of mindfulness and a calming Sip & Paint session, making the day enriching for the whole family.
Salvador Heredia-Arriaga Memorial Football Scholarship Recipients 2025
Natomas High School football players Jaylen and Shivan received this year’s Salvador Heredia-Arriaga Memorial Football Scholarship. Each student received $1,000, which will go towards their college education. Thank you to Dr. Susan Heredia and Salvador Arriaga for presenting the award to the students in honor of their son, who graduated from NHS and coached football at the school.
Jaylen plans to attend Sacramento City College and pursue a degree in construction management.
Shivam’s dream is to own and operate a welding business, with plans to obtain an Associate of Science degree from American River College and a bachelor's degree from a four-year college.
Witter Ranch Elementary Celebrates Its Incredible Volunteers
Witter Ranch Elementary (WRE) staff was thrilled to host a special Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast to recognize the incredible dedication and support of volunteers.
From parents and grandparents to friends, the WRE community is truly grateful for all who generously give their time to help Hawks shine.
Student Spotlight: Leroy Greene Academy Scholar Advocates for Youth Mental Health
Leroy Greene Academy scholar Clara took the stage at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco to speak at the “Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month” event. Clara, a dedicated youth mental health advocate, shared her insights on the challenges teens face today and the importance of creating safe spaces for open conversations.
Since November 2024, she has served on the Sacramento County Behavioral Health Youth Advisory Board and actively participates in the Mind Out Loud initiative, leading youth listening sessions and representing teen voices at events like the Breaking Barriers Symposium. Her leadership continues to inspire a culture of empathy, awareness, and action both at school and throughout the broader community.
Parent University
On May 10th, NUSD proudly teamed up with Sacramento Republic FC for the second consecutive year to host our Family Soccer Clinic - part of the Parent University’s Put Your Device Away series. Held at Jefferson School, the event welcomed families from across the district for an afternoon focused on connection, play, and wellness, without cell phones and other digital devices that often distract from quality family time.
More than 30 participants, including parents and students, came together to strengthen family bonds through teamwork, shared laughter, and the joy of learning new skills. The clinic not only fostered meaningful moments between loved ones but also promoted physical activity and healthy habits through the power of sport.
ICYMI
Board Highlights
In case you missed it, read this edition of “Board Highlights,” which recaps some of the actions taken during the May 14, 2025, NUSD Board Meeting.
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