Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
DEI Literacy Night
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Literacy Nights are a fun event which takes place at our K-8th grade campus libraries each winter. DEI Literacy Night is a great opportunity for families to see the books we offer from a diverse perspective, written by diverse authors, while also enjoying delicious meals, participating in read-alouds, and other fun activities. Watch this video to learn what Bannon Creek and Larry G. Meeks Academy students love reading. A huge shout out to American Lakes School for having one of the highest attended DEI Literacy Nights with over 200 members of the ALS School community in attendance!
Natomas Unified Partners with The Black Program and Author Tyson Amir
Take a look at this video to learn how our new partnership with The Black Program helps students develop a sense of identity and honor their roots. The Black Program’s founder, author Tyson Amir, started working with our students at Natomas Middle and Natomas High school last week and will continue to work with them in the coming months.
Posada Night Brings Families and Students Together
Natomas Middle School hosted its Posada Night celebration last week, bringing together families and students. The community enjoyed food, hot chocolate, music and games and enjoyed cultural dishes. Posada is a Mexican tradition in celebration of the holiday season.
Other activities families enjoyed included: arts and crafts, face painting, and a photo booth. The event was organized to celebrate the upcoming winter break, and for school staff to thank the community for supporting the school.
“Little Women” at Natomas High School
Natomas High School’s Drama Club put on a production of Little Women on December 8th and 9th. The students volunteered many hours after school and on weekends to put this production together. Putting a play together requires students to flex their multifaceted skills in literacy, time management, costume design, and acting. Way to go Nighthawks on a successful production!
School Spirit
Families Meet Santa, Enjoy Pancake Breakfast
Santa’s laughter could be heard all over Witter Ranch Elementary (WRE) Saturday morning! WRE Hawks had the best time meeting Santa, taking pictures, making crafts, and enjoying a delicious pancake breakfast. Gatherings like Breakfast with Santa help build relationships among the WRE school community and give students a chance to expand their social connectedness to those around them. “We are so grateful for having a fantastic PTA that hosts events like this one,” Ana Reilly, a teacher said.
Hats Off to Friday Night Live for Raising Money for Front Street Animal Shelter
Inderkum High School students, a part of the group, Friday Night Live, raised $183 to benefit the Front Street Animal Shelter. The students sold Santa hats last Friday, during their lunch time. Hats off to the club for the effort!
A Warm Gathering at Frosty Fest
Leroy Greene Academy’s (LGA) families enjoyed crafts, cookie decorating, treats, and more at this year’s Frosty Fest. LGA’s Leadership Team posted these pictures plus more and said, “Grateful for the support from friends, family, and everyone who made Frosty Fest unforgettable! Your encouragement means the world to us!”
Empower Club Raises $250 for Wellspring Women’s Center
H. Allen Hight’s Empower Club’s participation at the school’s Holiday Craft Fair was a huge success! The group showed incredible creativity, dedication, and teamwork, and raised a total of $250 with their custom made arts and crafts. The money was donated to the Wellspring Women’s Center. Through these efforts, the students have displayed their leadership skills in spreading love, positivity, and the value of wellness to their community.
A big thank you to parents Erika and Timothy Marsh for helping to set up the booth and for providing supplies for the hot chocolate and baked goods.
LEAP Academy
‘Girls Empowerment’ Wraps Up for the Fall
Girls Empowerment, under our LEAP Academy, wrapped up at Natomas Park and Witter Ranch Elementary this past week. During the last few weeks, the students’ social-emotional skills were strengthened by journaling, making new friends, and learning self-care tips. Girls Empowerment mentors are now preparing to mentor new students at Paso Verde Elementary and Heron School beginning January 8th.
Parents as Partners
Resources for Families
Register for the Raising Resilient Girls Parent University Session
Learn how to build emotional wellness together with your student. This free session is being sponsored by our partner Girls Leadership Inc. For more information and to register, visit girlsleadership.org/parent-education
January 22, 2024
5 – 6:15 PM Pacific
Love and Logic Parent University
Parent University is a resource for parents to aid in supporting their students. Coming next January by popular demand is Love and Logic parenting series. This is a 5-week parenting program where parents learn to raise self-confident, motivated, and resilient children. Dinner and childcare will be provided starting at 5:30 PM with the class session beginning at 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Spaces are limited, so register as soon as possible for this free series of classes. The classes are open to all families in the district. Please select the best dates and location that best suits your needs.
Natomas Park Elementary – 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, & 2/13
Jefferson Elementary – 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, & 2/15
Heron – 2/27, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, & 3/28
Hybrid – 2/29, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, & 3/28
Early Learners Playgroup Registration now Open for Spring Cohort
Parents and students come dance, sing, play, learn, and socialize with us! Children 10-months-old to 5-years-old are encouraged to join our next Playgroup cohort, which begins January 30 to March 8, 2024. Registration closes December 20th. Parents must attend the playgroups with their children, which run about 1.5 hours, twice a week. If you’re interested in joining, please click here.
Tips and Tricks for Parents on Parent Square – How to View Alerts
- Sign in to the ParentSquare app (if you aren’t already signed in.)
- You’ll arrive on the Home page. Tap Alerts at the bottom.
- Filter at the top between schools to view the notices.
Staff Stars
Flashback Friday: Celeste Garden, Administrative Secretary
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 Celeste Garden, an Administrative Secretary.
Question: What’s the story behind the photos you shared?
Answer: Running with my classmate Stephanie during a jog-a-thon at my elementary school and my dad used to take me to gymnastics classes on his motorcycle.
Question: Why do you like working at NUSD?
Answer: I enjoy working for Natomas Unified because it gives me the opportunity to be a part of student education. My father was a teacher, and being involved in education makes me feel a connection to him. I live in Natomas, and both of my children graduated from Inderkum High School (GO TIGERS!).
If you would like to see the latest career opportunities at Natomas Unified, visit natomasunified.org/human-resources.
Superintendent’s Corner
Superintendent Dr. Robyn Castillo loves being out in the community and connecting with our families, staff and community partners. She took these pictures at the Inderkum versus Natomas High school basketball game last week. Castillo says she rooted for both teams and commended all players’ efforts.
To follow along with her, click here and hit “follow”.
ICYMI
In Case You Missed It
Invitation to Upcoming Forward 5 Regional Meetings
Natomas families are invited to take part in NUSD’s Forward 5 Regional Meetings. Your input matters! Food, childcare, and interpreters provided.
Click here to register.
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 new page here.
