Student Achievement
Board Approves K-8 Expansion for Heredia-Arriaga School
In addition to receiving an update on the NUSD’s newest school that is scheduled to open this fall to families of incoming TK and K, the Board voted to expand Heredia-Arriaga to become a K-8 school. Heredia-Arriaga is the district’s first school with a dual immersion program. The expansion will help to ensure a pathway from elementary through middle school for students’ journey to become bilingual. Trustees were updated on such items as facilities, staffing, enrollment, boundaries, and, partnership with Sacramento State. To review the full report, click here.
Board Receives Update on Ethnic Studies Pilot Course and Hears from Students
The Board received an update on the first year of the district’s Ethnic Studies Pilot course. The update included teacher and student voices from Inderkum, Natomas, and Leroy Greene sharing what they have learned from the course. To hear some of the perspectives from our students, watch the video below that was shared with the Board. This course is in support of our Core Values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. To review the full report, click here.
Approval of Purchase of iMac Computers for Students Enrolled in Graphic Design Classes at IHS and NHS
Trustees approved a contract with Apple Inc., to purchase 75 iMacs to support the Graphic Design classes at Inderkum and Natomas High Schools. These computers will replace the existing computers, which are over six years old. Apple Inc. offers educational pricing through piggyback contracts by other school districts. The contract is for a total cost of $198,443.44.
Closing the Digital Divide
Approval of Notice of Completion for NUSD Connect, Providing Free Internet for Families
The Board approved the completion of the cable and installation for NUSD Connect, the district’s own wireless network to provide internet access to families at no charge. This is a major step in closing the digital divide of our students by providing students and their families access to the internet free of charge. Any family in need of internet access can obtain a router from the IT Help Desk to be connected to the district NUSD Connect wireless towers.
Parent Engagement
Board Approves Parent Square for 2023-2024 School Year, Providing One Communication Platform for Families and Staff
The Board approved Parent Square as the single communication platform that the district will use to engage with families beginning the 2023-2024 school year. Currently, communication tools vary from school to school and teacher to teacher, making it difficult for families to keep track. Parent Square will help to streamline communication as all messages regardless of the school or teacher will appear in a single place within the Parent Square platform. To learn more, check out this video.
Approval of Stakeholder Panel Member Categories for the Superintendent Search
The Board approved the panel member categories to participate in the interview process for NUSD’s Superintendent Search. The categories that will be represented on the panel include: a parent from each district parent advisory group (District English Learner Advisory Committee, Community Advisory Committee, Superintendent’s Advisory Committee), two PTA parents from South and North Natomas, a representative from the Natomas Schools Foundation, two at-large parents, 2 students, representatives from NTA and CSEA, a site principal and manager from the Ed Center/Service Center.
Safety
Security Cameras Project to Keep our Students and Staff Safe and Schools Secure
The Board approved a contract to complete the cabling, construction work, and configuration of security cameras at several NUSD schools. This contract is part of a larger plan that includes replacing older/outdated cameras and installing new cameras at school sites throughout the district. This is all in an effort to keep our students, staff, and schools safe. The cost for this project is $661,866.
NUSD Newsroom Hub
Beginning with February 8, 2023, Board Highlights, all past and current Board Highlights will be easily retrievable at the new NUSD Newsroom Hub, located on the district website at www.natomasunified.org. You will also have access to feature stories, newsletters, video gallery, Weekly Wrap-Ups, and a collection of podcasts.
