Highlights from Forward 5 Regional Meetings

If you didn’t get an opportunity to attend our in-person Forward 5 Regional Meetings this week, there is still time to participate in the engagement sessions. On January 18th, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., there will be a virtual meeting available to all families. Visit our website for the Zoom Link. The link will also be sent to all families on Tuesday. This is an opportunity for families to hear about action items aligned with our district goals, work that has been done over the last 10 years with our facilities, and provide feedback. While registration is not required to attend, it will help us to plan for the number of families attending. Please take a moment to click here to RSVP.

LEAP Academy Students Build Language Arts Skills over Winter Break

Staff Spotlight

Meet our New Leader of Technology: Matt Rhyne

Please welcome our new Executive Director of Information Technology, Matt Rhyne! Rhyne has more than 20 years of experience in education and when it comes to technology – a wealth of knowledge. Rhyne says our Core Values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion drew him to our district. “I am committed to strengthening cybersecurity, improving educational technology pedagogy, and ensuring digital equity. Those concerns will guide my decision-making process as I evaluate Natomas Unified’s existing policies, practices, software, and hardware,” Rhyne said.

Rhyne started his career as a middle school language arts teacher in the Lancaster School District, where he taught a reading intervention program focused on English learners and struggling readers. He then went on to be the district’s first Technology Integration Instructional Coach. Most recently, he served as the Director of Innovation and Instructional Technology for Plumas Lake Elementary School District.

Outside of school hours, Rhyne is an avid cyclist and hiker. He says he loves to explore new roads and trails. He and his wife Jean have twin sons who are about to start high school.

Barbara Schiffner currently leads NUSD’s Information Technology Department. She has announced that she will be retiring at the end of this school year. We thank her for all of her years of service to NUSD and for working side-by-side with Matt to ensure a smooth transition.

FBF: Lindsey Joyner, Teacher at American Lakes School

Every week, we share a wayback/flashback/throwback photo of our staff members, share a little bit of their story, and why they love working for NUSD.

This newsletter, we feature Lindsey Joyner, a Teacher at American Lakes School.

Question: What’s the story behind the photo?

Answer: This picture is from 3rd grade when I was a student at American Lakes – where I teach now!

Question: When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Answer: I have always wanted to be a teacher, although I talked myself out of it after college. It took me almost 12 years to find my way back! I am grateful for the Diverse Future Teachers Program Natomas offers that helped make my dream a reality.

Question: Why do you like working here at NUSD?

Answer: I love giving back to the community that gave me every opportunity I have been blessed with. I think, with our diversity and focus, we have the potential to inspire our world’s next greatest leaders, and I love being part of it!

If you would like to see the latest career opportunities at Natomas Unified, visit natomasunified.org/human-resources.

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?

The new year often brings renewed focus on setting new goals and finding ways in which we hope to improve. EAP can help with its own resource section, filled with articles and tools on Motivation, Goal Setting and Resilience.

You can access articles and tips, such as 6 Steps to Get Motivated and Tips to Stay on Track. You can also read articles on Goal Setting and use an interactive tool to test your resilience. Just look for the Well-Being category in the Explore & Learn section of the website.

EAP information can be found online at liveandworkwell.com, or by calling 1-866-248-4096. If accessing online, click register now, follow the prompts, and select SIA-SIA when prompted for the company code.

UPCOMING JANUARY and FEBRUARY EAP WEBINARS AND REGISTRATION LINKS. (Please click on the title for the registration link:

Announcements

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. As we recognize this month, we want to reshare this video of hope from Jeanette Diaz, a trafficking survivor, who is also an NUSD parent. We first shared Diaz’s story in November of her upbringing, how Diaz is working to become an advocate, and a voice for people who face similar struggles.