Spotlight Newsletter
Aaron Belman
Important Dates
Weekly Wrap Up
Watch the highlights from this past week in this episode of NUSD’s Weekly Wrap Up - January 16, 2026.
Supt’s Corner
Dr. Robyn Castillo recently visited Inderkum High School and toured the facility thanks to students Lucy and Hannah. Dr. Castillo makes an effort to visit sites, take a look at what students are learning, and build relationships with staff. A video of this visit will be available in the coming months. In the meantime, stay in touch with Dr. Castillo via her Instagram.
Read to Succeed
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Through Reading
As we approach Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, NUSD invites families and educators to pause, reflect, and engage with Dr. King’s legacy through the power of reading. These thoughtfully selected book recommendations, organized by age level, provide opportunities for readers to learn more about Dr. King’s ideas, the movement he helped lead, and their relevance today.
Adults
- Parting the Waters: America in the King Years 1954-63 by Taylor Branch
- The Sword and the Shield: The Revolutionary Lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. by Peniel E. Joseph
Early Learners
- Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Bryan Collier
Middle School
- A Place to Land by Barry Wittenstein and illustrated by Jerry Pinkey
High School
- The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. edited by Clayborne Carson
- A Time to Break Silence introduction by Walter Dean Myers - curated collection of Dr. King’s speeches and writings
Get Caught Reading! Join NUSD’s New Biweekly Reading Contest
As part of our Read to Succeed efforts, NUSD is proud to announce the “Caught Reading” biweekly contest. This contest encourages families to share a photo of their scholars reading for a chance to win a book of their choice. The goal is to inspire a love of reading while promoting meaningful family time.
Submitted entries may be featured in upcoming newsletters, on social media, and across other NUSD communication platforms. Winners will be selected every other week. Books must be valued at $25 or less, and participants must be registered NUSD students. Guidelines are subject to change. Enter here.
Celebrations
Meet the Safety and Safe Schools Team - AnnMarie Snow, Climate and Safety Liaison
NUSD’s Safety and Safe Schools Department has been committed to securing our campuses to ensure they’re not only safe, but that students feel connected and supported. First introduced to NUSD in 2023, the department has grown to now include three new School Safety Officers, who along with School Safety Liaisons, address complex safety needs, support, intervention, and prevent efforts.
Each week, our District will share profiles of the Safety and Safe Schools team. This week, meet Annmarie Snow, a Climate and Safety Liaison. “The climate aspect is really important where I’m really listening to students and getting to know them and letting them know I am listening and I value them,” Snow said.
Team members also undergo regular training, such as CPR, as pictured here from a recent training.
Heron Fourth Graders Shine as CTE Broadcast Media Guests
Heron fourth graders recently learned about all things broadcast media thanks to Inderkum High School’s ‘Tiger Talk’! Through a hands-on field trip, younger scholars toured Inderkum’s CTE Broadcast Media classroom and studio, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at student-led broadcasting. The experience also gave them the opportunity to connect with high school CTE students, inspiring curiosity, confidence, and excitement about future learning pathways.
Highlights from the Youth Leadership Academy Orientation Kickoff with APAPA
Watch the highlights from the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) Kickoff, brought together 11th-grade students from NUSD high schools as they begin a 10-week civic engagement and workforce-readiness program, offering opportunities to meet APAPA mentors, connect with peers, learn about upcoming workshops and internships, and participate in activities that build confidence, public speaking skills, and community awareness.
Watch the Highlights: 2025 Fall Esports Tournament in Action
Relive the excitement of the 2025 Fall Esports Tournament by watching this highlight video and celebrating the championship win by Paso Verde School’s “Side B” team!
Esports clubs at LEAP Academy school sites emphasize teamwork, communication, and social-emotional learning. To learn more about LEAP, click here.
Parent University
Upcoming February 2026 Events
Parent University is a community collaborative to help parents become full partners in their children’s education. Register for free upcoming events at the following link, natomasparentuniversity.com:
Feb. 3: Family Literacy Night - Join us to celebrate African American Black History Month with children’s book author Jazmine Williams.
Feb. 6: Sacramento Kings Family Day - Score big with discounted tickets available exclusive for NUSD families and staff. Cheer on the Sac Kings as they face the LA Clippers. Tickets available for purchase here.
Feb. 19: Community College or 4-Year Universities - Hosted by Sacramento State and American River College, learn about tuition and financial aid, certificate and degree programs, student services and support, admission requirements, and more.
Sports
7th and 8th Grade Basketball League Tips Off with Exciting Matchups
The NUSD 7th and 8th Grade Basketball League tipped off Thursday with an exciting matchup as Jefferson visited Leroy Greene for competitive boys’ and girls’ games. The high level of play was on full display, highlighted by the speed, skill, and teamwork of our student-athletes. An energetic and supportive crowd added to the electric atmosphere, making opening day a great success. Thank you to everyone who came out to cheer on our teams and support our students!
Bulletin Board
Explore Your Future: Natomas High School Tour for Middle School Families
Incoming high schoolers and their families are invited to tour Natomas High School during an upcoming Tour Night event.
Natomas High School: January 22nd at 6:30 PM
Explore the programs offered, enjoy student performances, and meet the staff who support our scholars every day. Don’t miss this chance to see what each school has to offer! Register here to attend NHS Tour Night.
Student Artists Unveil New Logo for NUSD’s 3rd Annual LGBTQIA+ Student Conference
Check out the updated logo featuring the California State Capitol for NUSD’s 3rd Annual LGBTQIA+ Student Conference - designed by talented NUSD student artists!
Join us on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 5–7 PM at Natomas Charter School for an evening of connection and celebration. The event will feature free food, music, activities, and more, giving students opportunities to network, access resources, and build community in a welcoming space.
Don’t miss this chance to come together and celebrate our students!
ICYMI
Board Highlights - January 14, 2026
In case you missed it, read about some of the actions taken during the January 14, 2026 NUSD Board meeting in this edition of Board Highlights.
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