NUSD’s new school in west Natomas now has a name: Paso Verde, which was chosen by the Board of Trustees Wednesday and has ties both to the area’s historic greenery and to the nation’s challenge of a green, sustainable energy future.
Paso Verde, a Spanish phrase meaning green path or step, also celebrates Natomas Unified’s rich diversity by honoring the language and culture of NUSD’s largest ethnic group, Hispanic, consistent with the District’s Board-approved Core Belief: “Our diversity is a strength.”
Paso Verde was one of two finalists from an initial list of 167 nominations submitted via survey to a 10-member committee of community members and NUSD employees charged with making recommendations to the Board for naming the new school, which will open next fall.
Paso Verde School initially will offer Transitional Kindergarten through 5th grades at an interim site along Del Paso Road – current home of Westlake Charter — while a new campus is built nearby. The new school will expand to K-8 by adding one grade annually for three years.
The name Paso Verde also ties closely to the new school’s curriculum. It will offer a rigorous International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) and focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM).
IB is a nationally renowned academic program designed to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring students who understand and respect other cultures. PYP students study a world language throughout their elementary years.
As part of Paso Verde’s focus on science, technology and engineering, students will tackle a variety of issues and challenges. Early thinking about the STEAM program envisions a look by students at how to expand green energy created from renewable and sustainable resources such as sunlight, wind or geothermal heat.
For additional information about Paso Verde, view the school’s boundaries or obtain an enrollment form.
