The Board of Trustees met on September 11, 2024, for a regularly scheduled Board meeting. Here are the highlights of the meeting. This publication is not intended to cover all items addressed at the meeting but a condensed version to keep our community informed. To view the agenda and video of all board meetings, access the link here. 

---

Celebrations

NUSD Teachers of the Year Recognized

Trustees recognized our Teachers of the Year for 2023-2024. Each teacher received a certificate of appreciation and a photo with the Board President. All NUSD schools have a Teacher of the Year, and from that group, a District Teacher of the Year is selected. We are proud to share that our District Teacher of the Year is Sabrina Prociw from Two Rivers Elementary School. After all teachers were presented, they took a group photo with the Board and celebrated with a brief reception immediately after.

Congratulations to all of our teachers, who represent their schools for Teacher of the Year.

• American Lakes School: Jessica Angeles, 3rd Grade Teacher
• Bannon Creek School: Langston Williams, 6th Grade Teacher
• Discovery High School: Mike McKibbon, Social Studies Teacher
• H. Allen Hight Elementary School: Meghan Topping, 5th Grade Teacher
• Heredia-Arriaga School: Alondra Portilla Zarate, Transitional Kindergarten Teacher
• Heron School: Brandon Breckenridge, 5th Grade Teacher
• Inderkum High School: Kathleen Carley, English Language Arts Teacher
• Jefferson School: Viasna Nov, Teacher on Special Assignment
• Larry G. Meeks Academy: Milana Gaus, 2nd Grade Teacher
• Leroy Greene Academy: Daniel Nelson, English Language Arts Teacher
• Natomas High School: Aaron Knight, Art Teacher
• Natomas Middle School: Margaret Strickler, Math Teacher
• Natomas Park Elementary School: Emily Smith, 2nd Grade Teacher
• Paso Verde School: Simran Lally, 3rd Grade Teacher
• Two Rivers Elementary School and District Teacher of the Year: Sabrina Prociw, 1st Grade Teacher
• Witter Ranch Elementary School: Stacy Edelen, 4th Grade Teacher
   

Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month in Natomas Unified

Trustees recognized the upcoming National Hispanic Heritage Month with a resolution and time on the agenda to share some of the ways NUSD is celebrating this year. Staff shared in addition to activities that will occur at school sites during September 15 - October 15, which is the period in which National Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized, the district will host its annual poster contest for students K-12 and share podcasts and videos from a new series called, “The Stories We Weave.” In this series, members of our diverse community share their heritage and how it is interwoven into the diversity of the Natomas community. The culminating stories will be displayed in a digital and physical quilt at the end of the school year. 
 

Week of the School Administrator Resolution Approved

Our administrators serve in many capacities including principals, assistant principals, and multiple leadership positions that support our schools. Every October, there is a week designated to show appreciation for dedicated school administrators. The Board approved a resolution in their honor for this special week to be observed October 13-19, 2024.

Notice of Completion Approved for the New B. Teri Burns Health Clinic

The Board approved the completion of the brand new B. Teri Burns Health Clinic. The new facility will provide healthcare access to uninsured and underinsured families. Services such as vaccinations, flu shots, and dental visits will be provided. A classroom inside the building is also being prepared for students aspiring to become healthcare professionals post high school. Students in our Health Pathway at Natomas High School will have access to the classroom and real-world experiences at the clinic. The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House is scheduled for Saturday, September 21st, at 9 am. 

---

Financial Update

---

Pandemic Funds Report

In a report to the Board, staff provided an overview of the 15 different funding sources of pandemic relief funds and details on how the district spent the funds received since 2019-20. In total, the district received $48 million. All remaining balances are to be spent by September 30, 2024. To review the report, visit the Board agenda page here.

2023-24 Unaudited Actuals Approve

Staff presented information to the Board that reflected the district's financial activity during the 2023-2024 year and the district’s financial position as of June 30, 2024. The unaudited actuals represent a positive certification which means the district will meet financial obligations this year and the next two subsequent years. The Board approved the unaudited actuals and to move unspent funds from last year’s ending fund balance to the district’s reserves to help offset potential reduction in revenue in future years. The Unaudited Actuals Report can be reviewed here.

 

The next NUSD Board meeting is scheduled for September 25, 2024.
 

The Friday, September 13, 2024 Special Board Meeting Agenda is now available online at: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36030341&MID=33037

NUSD Board Meetings are live-streamed and recorded, and available for viewing on the District's website at https://natomasunified.org/board-of-trustees/videos/.

Members of the public may attend in person to give public comment. Please note that since this is a Special Board Meeting, public comment will only be accepted in regards to the item on the agenda. In accordance with Board Bylaw 9323 - Meeting Conduct, individual speakers shall be allowed two minutes to address the Board, and the Board shall limit the total time for public input on each item to 20 minutes.

The September 11, 2024 Regular Board Meeting Agenda has been published and is now available online. Click here to view the agenda. 

NUSD Board Meetings are live-streamed, recorded, and made available for viewing on the District's website at https://natomasunified.org/board-of-trustees/videos/.

Members of the public may attend in person to give a public comment. Please note that in accordance with Board Bylaw 9323 - Meeting Conduct, the Board shall permit members of the public an opportunity to address any item on the agenda and/or any item not on the agenda during a Regular Board Meeting. All individuals wishing to address the Board on any matter shall submit a completed public comment card to the Executive Assistant before the Board of Trustees begins considering that item on the agenda, and no later than the first action item on the agenda. Individual speakers shall be allowed two minutes to address the Board, and the Board shall limit the total time for public input on each item to 20 minutes.

Staff Spotlight

---

Slow for the Cone Zone

Dressed in bright orange cone costumes; Jefferson School’s Principal Danisha Keeler, and Assistant Principal Renald Edwards; reminded drivers on Thursday, August 29th to “slow for the cone zone.” 

Check out this short video of the two reminding motorists to keep it slow, while keeping it fun.

 

Two Rivers Staff Reminds Students to “Activate Potential”

Two Rivers Elementary staff members recently modeled “Activating Potential” t-shirts on Tuesday, the site’s college day. Staff wrote on the school’s Instagram page that the shirts are part of the AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) belief that all students prepare for college and career readiness at its site. 

Mindful attire, Two Rivers Otters!
 

---

 

 

---

College and Career

---

Third Year in a Row District Pays College Application Fees for First UC and CSU Applications for NUSD Seniors! 

 

 

 

 

 

Natomas Unified School District (NUSD) is excited to continue paying the first application fees for NUSD high school seniors who meet the eligibility requirements for admission to the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) campuses for fall 2025. This effort was launched in fall 2022 and is in support of our efforts to prepare students to be college and career ready, and another way to increase college access.

The application fee to apply to a UC is $80 per campus and the fee to apply to a CSU is $70 per campus. To remove potential financial barriers for students to apply, NUSD will pay for this year’s 12th-grade students’ application fees for their first CSU and their first UC applications. Families could potentially save $150 in application fees if their student applies to one UC and one CSU. 

In addition, some of our seniors are eligible for application fee waivers directly with UC and CSU because of their family income. We encourage those seniors to take advantage of the fee waivers  because it allows them to apply to up to four UC campuses and four CSU campuses at no cost. If seniors who utilized the UC/CSU waiver want to apply to a 5th UC and/or CSU campus, NUSD will cover the cost of the 5th application. 

Our high school counseling teams will be on hand to support seniors through this process, which includes support to complete the reimbursement procedure. Counselors will also be available to assist students with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA, or the California Dream Act Application, known as the CADAA. Please stay tuned for information from your student’s school about upcoming events and resources available to families.  

NUSD remains committed to providing students with multiple pathways to continue their educational journey upon graduating from high school.

---

NUSD College Fair 

Families of high school students are invited to attend our Annual NUSD College Fair on September 18th at Inderkum High School.

---

NUSD Preps its Students for College: Featured on Univision (Spanish TV)

Univision, a Spanish news medium, recently highlighted how our district prepares students for college. Dariana and Damian, two students, and Ana Garcia, a College and Career Coordination Specialist at Inderkum High School, were interviewed. The trio shared information about our International Baccalaureate program, Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathways, and classes that allow students to obtain college credit through programs such as California Early College Academy and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. 

College preparatory classes are offered at all of our high school sites. 

Univision’s video story may be viewed here.

---

Coming Soon

---

You’re Invited: B. Teri Burns Health Center Ribbon Cutting

Join us for the B. Teri Burns Health Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Saturday, September 21st, at 9 am. The new facility will provide healthcare access to uninsured and underinsured families. Services such as vaccinations, flu shots, and dental visits will be provided. A classroom inside the building is also being prepared for students aspiring to become healthcare professionals post high school. Students in our Health Pathway at Natomas High School will have access to the classroom and real-world experiences at the clinic. To RSVP, click here.

The new clinic is located across the street from Natomas High School and will replace our district’s current B. Teri Burns Health Center, near Joey’s Food Locker on the campus of Natomas High School.

---

Superintendent’s Corner

---

Dr. Robyn Castillo Cheers on NUSD Sports Teams

 

Superintendent Dr. Robyn Castillo continues to cheer on Natomas Unified sports teams. Recently, Castillo went to the Natomas Nighthawks Football Team’s first home game vs Ponderosa and Girl’s Volleyball game against Lindhurst as shared in her Instagram.

Despite the loss against Ponderosa, the Nighthawks’ football players showed toughness and grit against a very strong team. 

---

Awards

---

Heredia-Arriaga School Receives Sacramento Business Journal Real Estate Award 

With its fresh features and well-designed learning spaces, Heredia-Arriaga School has been awarded The Sacramento Business Journal’s “2024 Best Real Estate Project of the Year Award - Public School”. Dr. Susan Heredia, NUSD’s Board President; and Salvador Arriaga, Heredia’s husband and longtime bilingual education advocate, are the namesakes of the school. This is the first dual language (English/Spanish) immersion program in the district. Currently, transitional kindergarten through first grade is taught at the campus, which opened in the 2023-24 school year. Each year, a new grade level will be added, up to eighth grade. 

Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year will open in January 2025. If your student will be in transitional kindergarten through second grade, visit our enrollment page to prepare. 

 

---

Attendance Matters

---

Assembly to Recognize Amazing Attendance

Witter Ranch Elementary Hawks recently celebrated and recognized classes with the best attendance for the month of August. Congratulations to the students in these classes who show up to school every day and on time! They were honored in front of their classmates.

This is just one example of how our school site staff encourages students to get to school every day, on time, and to be eager to learn. For more resources on how to help your student stay on track with strong attendance, visit our NUSD attendance page. 

---

Building Student Leaders

---

Fifth Graders Build Leadership Skills in Mentorship Program

Fifth grade mentors recently met their kindergarten buddies for the 2024-25 school year at Paso Verde School. This picture was taken during the scholars’ first meeting. The mentors and mentees will continue to meet over the school year, get to know each other and build friendships that are sure to inspire. This supports our efforts to ensure students feel welcome and connected while at school.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fun Friday turns into Clean Campus

A “Fun Friday” event turned into a campus cleanup recently at Jefferson School. School site leaders say the students, a part of the “Role Models” group, decided to volunteer their “Fun Friday” into a positive action to benefit the school community. The scholars cleaned up the campus by collecting trash, sweeping, and simply taking care of the facility that they use. “They did amazing and truly are role models for all of the scholars across the campus. We appreciate them,” school administrators said.

The 2024-25 school year is the largest group of scholars the school has had, actively involved in “Role Models.”
 

---

Early Enrollment

---

Enrollment Open for TK - First Grade

There are still some spots open for transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, and first-grade students! If you know of a family with children of this age who would benefit from enrolling in our schools, please share this information. To register, visit natomasunified.org/enrollment.

---

Parent University

---

Share Feedback: Register for “Diverse Conversations”

Parent University is hosting its first Diverse Conversations of the school year to discuss and receive feedback on the district’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. We need as many diverse voices as possible to have a well-rounded discussion. We need you! Two sessions are offered to accommodate parents' availability. Register for the session that best fits your schedule.

---

Career Technical Education (CTE)

---

Inderkum High School Alumni Featured on SEVA TV

Anisha Dwarka is a self-published author who is featured in a SEVA TV segment called, “How to Write a Publish a Book”. In the clip, Dwarka shares advice on coming up with themes, planning and outlining a book, and advice to address writer's block. Dwarka graduated from Inderkum High School in 2024 and learned digital media skills in the Broadcast Media CTE program.

---

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

An EAP is a service designed to help you manage life’s challenges. Everyone needs a helping hand once in a while, and the EAP can provide it. Professional counselors and services can help you and your eligible family members resolve a broad range of personal problems affecting your emotional health, family life, and work life. EAP is a no-cost, confidential resource for NUSD employees and their eligible family members. 

DID YOU KNOW?

Natomas Unified School District was named the second most diverse school district in the nation in 2024 by Niche.com, and in a 2016 New York Times study. Diversity encompasses a broad spectrum of backgrounds, perspectives, identities, and experiences that collectively enrich our community. It goes beyond visible differences like race and gender to include socioeconomic status, cultural heritage, abilities, and more. Embracing diversity means valuing each person's unique contributions and fostering an environment where empathy, understanding, and respect thrive among students, educators, and staff. This inclusive approach creates a supportive atmosphere where everyone can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.

Understanding diversity also involves addressing systemic inequities to ensure fairness and equal opportunities for all members of our school community. This commitment requires ongoing education, open dialogue, and proactive efforts to promote equity and inclusivity. By celebrating diversity and actively working to dismantle barriers, we prepare our students to engage meaningfully in a global society with integrity and compassion for the diverse world around them.
 

Celebrate diversity with Natomas Unified!

Call EAP at 1-866-248-4096 to get connected with a WorkLife Advisor, 8:00am - 6:00 pm CT or information can be found online at liveandworkwell.com.

If accessing online for the first time, click register now, follow the prompts, and select SIA-SIA when prompted for the company code.

 

Upcoming EAP Webinars (Click the title to access links):

 

SEPTEMBER
DATE	WEBINAR TITLE	TIME
9/11	Understanding Depression	5:30 - 6:30pm
9/12	Autism and ADHD in the Workplace	5:30 - 6:30pm
9/16	Building Resilience in Traumatic Times	5:30 - 6:30pm
9/18	Aging Healthfully	12 - 1 pm
9/20	Boosting Energy Naturally	5:30 - 6:30pm
9/23	Creating a Respectful Workplace	5:30 - 7:30pm
9/25	How to Address Performance Concerns	5:30 - 6:30pm
9/26	How to Create a Healthy Workplace	5:30 - 7:30pm
OCTOBER
DATE	WEBINAR TITLE	TIME
10/3	Supporting Yourself and Others Through Perinatal Infertility/Loss	5:30 - 6:30pm
10/7	Creating Harmony Between Generations at Work	5:30 - 6:30pm
10/9	Build Your Resilience	5:30 - 7 pm
10/17	How to Create Passion and Motivation in the Workplace	5:30 - 6:30pm
10/23	I am too Busy to Eat Healthily	12 - 1 pm
10/28	Maintaining Wellbeing Through Times of Uncertainty	5:30 - 6:30pm

---

NUSD Newsroom Hub

 

The NUSD Newsroom Hub web page is a dedicated place to access current and past NUSD media such as news articles, Board Highlights, newsletters, Last Week’s Wrap Up, videos, and podcasts all produced by the district’s Communications and Family Engagement team known as CAFE. Check out our page here.

College and Career

---

Third Year in a Row District Pays College Application Fees for First UC and CSU Applications for NUSD Seniors! 

 

 

 

 

 

Natomas Unified School District (NUSD) is excited to continue paying the first application fees for NUSD high school seniors who meet the eligibility requirements for admission to the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) campuses for fall 2025. This effort was launched in fall 2022 and is in support of our efforts to prepare students to be college and career ready, and another way to increase college access.

The application fee to apply to a UC is $80 per campus and the fee to apply to a CSU is $70 per campus. To remove potential financial barriers for students to apply, NUSD will pay for this year’s 12th-grade students’ application fees for their first CSU and their first UC applications. Families could potentially save $150 in application fees if their student applies to one UC and one CSU. 

In addition, some of our seniors are eligible for application fee waivers directly with UC and CSU because of their family income. We encourage those seniors to take advantage of the fee waivers  because it allows them to apply to up to four UC campuses and four CSU campuses at no cost. If seniors who utilized the UC/CSU waiver want to apply to a 5th UC and/or CSU campus, NUSD will cover the cost of the 5th application. 

Our high school counseling teams will be on hand to support seniors through this process, which includes support to complete the reimbursement procedure. Counselors will also be available to assist students with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA, or the California Dream Act Application, known as the CADAA. Please stay tuned for information from your student’s school about upcoming events and resources available to families.  

NUSD remains committed to providing students with multiple pathways to continue their educational journey upon graduating from high school.

---

NUSD College Fair 

Families of high school students are invited to attend our Annual NUSD College Fair on September 18th at Inderkum High School.

---

NUSD Preps its Students for College: Featured on Univision (Spanish TV)

Univision, a Spanish news medium, recently highlighted how our district prepares students for college. Dariana and Damian, two students, and Ana Garcia, a College and Career Coordination Specialist at Inderkum High School, were interviewed. The trio shared information about our International Baccalaureate program, Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathways, and classes that allow students to obtain college credit through programs such as California Early College Academy and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. 

College preparatory classes are offered at all of our high school sites. 

Univision’s video story may be viewed here.

---

Coming Soon

---

You’re Invited: B. Teri Burns Health Center Ribbon Cutting

Join us for the B. Teri Burns Health Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Saturday, September 21st, at 9 am. The new facility will provide healthcare access to uninsured and underinsured families. Services such as vaccinations, flu shots, and dental visits will be provided. A classroom inside the building is also being prepared for students aspiring to become healthcare professionals post high school. Students in our Health Pathway at Natomas High School will have access to the classroom and real-world experiences at the clinic. To RSVP, click here.

The new clinic is located across the street from Natomas High School and will replace our district’s current B. Teri Burns Health Center, near Joey’s Food Locker on the campus of Natomas High School.

---

Superintendent’s Corner

---

Dr. Robyn Castillo Cheers on NUSD Sports Teams

 

Superintendent Dr. Robyn Castillo continues to cheer on Natomas Unified sports teams. Recently, Castillo went to the Natomas Nighthawks Football Team’s first home game vs Ponderosa and Girl’s Volleyball game against Lindhurst as shared in her Instagram.

Despite the loss against Ponderosa, the Nighthawks’ football players showed toughness and grit against a very strong team. 

---

Awards

---

Heredia-Arriaga School Receives Sacramento Business Journal Real Estate Award 

With its fresh features and well-designed learning spaces, Heredia-Arriaga School has been awarded The Sacramento Business Journal’s “2024 Best Real Estate Project of the Year Award - Public School”. Dr. Susan Heredia, NUSD’s Board President; and Salvador Arriaga, Heredia’s husband and longtime bilingual education advocate, are the namesakes of the school. This is the first dual language (English/Spanish) immersion program in the district. Currently, transitional kindergarten through first grade is taught at the campus, which opened in the 2023-24 school year. Each year, a new grade level will be added, up to eighth grade. 

Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year will open in January 2025. If your student will be in transitional kindergarten through second grade, visit our enrollment page to prepare. 

 

---

Attendance Matters

---

Assembly to Recognize Amazing Attendance

Witter Ranch Elementary Hawks recently celebrated and recognized classes with the best attendance for the month of August. Congratulations to the students in these classes who show up to school every day and on time! They were honored in front of their classmates.

This is just one example of how our school site staff encourages students to get to school every day, on time, and to be eager to learn. For more resources on how to help your student stay on track with strong attendance, visit our NUSD attendance page. 

---

Building Student Leaders

---

Fifth Graders Build Leadership Skills in Mentorship Program

Fifth grade mentors recently met their kindergarten buddies for the 2024-25 school year at Paso Verde School. This picture was taken during the scholars’ first meeting. The mentors and mentees will continue to meet over the school year, get to know each other and build friendships that are sure to inspire. This supports our efforts to ensure students feel welcome and connected while at school.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fun Friday turns into Clean Campus

A “Fun Friday” event turned into a campus cleanup recently at Jefferson School. School site leaders say the students, a part of the “Role Models” group, decided to volunteer their “Fun Friday” into a positive action to benefit the school community. The scholars cleaned up the campus by collecting trash, sweeping, and simply taking care of the facility that they use. “They did amazing and truly are role models for all of the scholars across the campus. We appreciate them,” school administrators said.

The 2024-25 school year is the largest group of scholars the school has had, actively involved in “Role Models.”
 

---

Early Enrollment

---

Enrollment Open for TK - First Grade

There are still some spots open for transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, and first-grade students! If you know of a family with children of this age who would benefit from enrolling in our schools, please share this information. To register, visit natomasunified.org/enrollment.

---

Parent University

---

Share Feedback: Register for “Diverse Conversations”

Parent University is hosting its first Diverse Conversations of the school year to discuss and receive feedback on the district’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. We need as many diverse voices as possible to have a well-rounded discussion. We need you! Two sessions are offered to accommodate parents' availability. Register for the session that best fits your schedule.

---

Career Technical Education (CTE)

---

Inderkum High School Alumni Featured on SEVA TV

Anisha Dwarka is a self-published author who is featured in a SEVA TV segment called, “How to Write a Publish a Book”. In the clip, Dwarka shares advice on coming up with themes, planning and outlining a book, and advice to address writer's block. Dwarka graduated from Inderkum High School in 2024 and learned digital media skills in the Broadcast Media CTE program.

---

Staff Spotlight

---

Slow for the Cone Zone

Dressed in bright orange cone costumes; Jefferson School’s Principal Danisha Keeler, and Assistant Principal Renald Edwards; reminded drivers on Thursday, August 29th to “slow for the cone zone.” 

Check out this short video of the two reminding motorists to keep it slow, while keeping it fun.

Two Rivers Staff Reminds Students to “Activate Potential”

Two Rivers Elementary staff members recently modeled “Activating Potential” t-shirts on Tuesday, the site’s college day. Staff wrote on the school’s Instagram page that the shirts are part of the AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) belief that all students prepare for college and career readiness at its site. 

Mindful attire, Two Rivers Otters!

 

---

Community Partners
 

---

NUSD Newsroom Hub

 

The NUSD Newsroom Hub web page is a dedicated place to access current and past NUSD media such as news articles, Board Highlights, newsletters, Last Week’s Wrap Up, videos, and podcasts all produced by the district’s Communications and Family Engagement team known as CAFE. Check out our page here.