Best of Luck to our New High School Graduates!
With smiles, laughter, and some happy tears, Natomas Unified high school seniors obtained their diplomas this week! Congratulations to our graduating seniors! Pictured are some highlights from our recent graduation ceremonies.
School Spotlight
Natomas Park Elementary Student Council Visits State Capitol
Natomas Park Elementary’s Student Council members visited the State Capitol recently. The students went on a tour and learned about California State history and legislature. After their tour, they were able to meet Senator Angelique Ashby in the Senate Chambers. Students were able to ask questions about how to become a state senator and learn what they can do to make a difference in Natomas.
Congratulations to Paso Verde for Becoming IB Authorized for Middle Years
Paso Verde is already an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School in Primary Years Programme (PYP), and this month, they officially became authorized in MYP (Middle Years Programme) as well! The authorization visit included a review of their policies and subject matter unit plans, as well as interviews with leadership, individual teachers, families, and students. On May 12th, middle school families were invited to an Ice Cream Social during lunch to celebrate this accomplishment! Afterwards, families were able to see the 8th-grade community projects which included their service with such projects as canned food drives, clothing drives, tutoring younger scholars, and more.
8th Graders at Natomas Middle School Recognized for Mentoring 5th Graders at Hight Elementary
Natomas Middle School and H. Allen Hight Elementary have teamed up to provide 8th-grade mentors to 5th-grade students. The 8th-grade mentors were recently recognized for their dedication to helping younger students and presented with certificates, cables to wear for their promotion ceremonies, and letters of recommendation. “This all ties into our International Baccalaureate world schools big final project, which is an exhibition for our 5th graders,” Kimberly Stepp, an NUSD Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) explained.
The mentees shared that the older students helped them with organizational skills, while the mentors said tutoring the younger students taught them patience and what it was like to be a teacher.
Jefferson School Students Showcase their Wits in Trivia Competition
In an exciting showdown of wits and wisdom, a remarkable group of Jefferson School’s 4th, 5th, and 6th-grade students showcased their exceptional knowledge and teamwork, securing victory for their grades in a nail-biting trivia competition. The trivia competition finals, a culmination of a year-long competition that is organized by Mrs. Ashwani Singh, the school librarian, concluded Thursday, May 18, 2023. Pictured are the winners of the competition with their trophies.
Two Rivers Elementary School Celebrates the End of the Year with 2-day Public Safety Day Event
Public Safety Day was created 11 years ago by first-grade teacher Sabrina Prociw as a way for students to have a positive interaction with those in the safety fields. The event also showcases various career paths that students can take. Agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Office of Emergency Services, Transportation Security Agency, Special Weapons and Tactics, fire, and numerous other agencies interact with the students by answering questions, showing their gear, and explaining how their job relates to helping the community. The Sacramento Police Department’s helicopter also made a special appearance when it flew over the campus.
CTE: Career Technical Education
CTE Digital Media: Developing Camera Skills for Digital Storytelling
We have been regularly highlighting a different Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathway to make our families and staff aware of the opportunities available to students during high school. We are highlighting the CTE Digital Media, where students gain and master skills in computer graphics, digital photography, graphic design, digital filmmaking, media arts, and digital photo illustration. Watch this video to hear from students and Instructor Cael Kuhlman.
Staff Recognition
Congratulations NUSD Staff for Getting Active with JIBE during Bike Month
Thanks to our community partner, JIBE, five of our staff members received JIBE prize packs for their participation in Bike Month. Congratulations to Coletha Browning, Jennifer Jones, Jeanne Morais, Tom Dickinson, and Shannon Taylor for logging a combined 534 miles. Thanks to Jeanne and Coletha for sharing these pictures.
Two Rivers Elementary Teacher Kristin Adams Nominated to Sacramento Bee’s Honor Roll
A big congratulations to 4th grade Two Rivers Elementary teacher Kristin Adams for making it to the second round of The Sacramento Bee’s Honor Roll. The Honor Roll recognizes exemplary educators throughout the region for their excellent efforts to teach students. Adams is pictured in a recent Good Day live shot during the 2022 holidays.
PVS Teacher Wins $5,000 for Classroom Makeover
Principal Amy Whitten, Assistant Principal Anthony Kolak, and Paso Verde PTA 23-24 President Margie Rueb had the pleasure of presenting TK Teacher Laura Scharosh with a $5000 check for her classroom! Earlier in the year, the Paso Verde PTA held a fundraiser with the School Store and became eligible for one of their teachers to be included in a drawing. Five teachers were selected from across the country to receive a $5000 classroom makeover including their own TK Laura Scharosch!
Inderkum Names New Head Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach
It is with great enthusiasm that we are announcing Michele Massari as our new Head Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach here at Inderkum High School. First off, we want to thank Coach Lawerence Quinley for everything he has done for our girls’ basketball program, school, and community. Coach Massari brings with her a great wealth of knowledge, years of successful experience, and most importantly, a great respect throughout the basketball community not only here in Sacramento but around the state and nation.
All current players, incoming players, interested players, and families are invited to meet Coach Michele Massari at a Meet and Greet in the Inderkum Theater on Wednesday, May 31, at 5:00 pm.
ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
Getting to Know NUSD’s Next Superintendent Beginning July 1st
For those individuals who know Robyn Castillo, Natomas Unified School District’s next superintendent, they will tell you that family is extremely important to her. In fact, many of her favorite hobbies have stemmed from being a supportive mother to her two sons. “My younger son was into sports. He played football and ran hurdles in track and field in high school and is currently an assistant football coach where he attended high school. My older son participated and competed with academic teams such as Science Olympiad, Science Bowl, and FIRST Robotics.” Although both sons are now college graduates – one graduating from UC Berkeley and the other most recently from Fresno State – she still finds herself cheering along the sidelines at high school athletic and co-curricular events. “I have a competitive nature, so I really enjoy being present and watching students compete at all levels.”
For the full story, click here.
2022-2023 Edition of Connecting Our Students to Their Future Flipbook Published…Take a Look
We are pleased to share with staff, families, and the community a brand new colorful magazine that highlights Natomas Unified School District’s accomplishments and successes for the 2022-2023 school year. We invite you to take time to flip through this colorful 36-page magazine to learn how we are “Connecting Students to their Future.”
Proud Parent of Class of 2023 Graduate Digital Badge
We’d like to give a special shout-out to the families of the Class of 2023. We know this was a journey that the entire family had a role in making it happen. For that, the Natomas Unified School District thanks you and awarded parents/guardians of graduates with an exclusive Digital Badge that displays their pride. Congratulations!
All NUSD Schools to Use ParentSquare for Enhanced Family Engagement – Download App today and be entered to win weekly prizes
Please take a moment to download the ParentSquare app from the Apple or Google Store and enter the email address or phone number that the district has on file for you associated with your student. Once prompted to register or log in, the app will ask you to confirm your student. Once you do that, you will be active in ParentSquare and ready to receive important school/district information and entered into weekly drawings for prizes including:
- Family four packs to a Rivercats game, The Sacramento Zoo, Movie Passes, and even SunSplash Water Park.
To learn more about ParentSquare, visit our NUSD webpage.
Announcements
LGBTQ+ Supports for Families and Awareness
Learn how NUSD supports an inclusive, welcoming, and safe learning environment for all students and the supports in place for students and families of the LGBTQ+ community. This virtual session will be held on June 6, at 5:00 p.m. Register here.
Caregiver Connection Group
Connect with other caregivers to discuss important LGBTQ+ issues, advocate for our youth, and cultivate community. The first session begins June 7, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Click here to register.
Sports Physicals and Immunizations
If your student is in need of a physical to be cleared for sports or immunizations to be cleared for school enrollment, Urgent Care Now is open Mondays and Fridays from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can make an appointment here.
Joey’s Food Locker
Food distribution will continue for families in need every Friday, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Natomas High School, 3301 Fong Ranch, behind the tennis courts. If you’d like to donate non-perishable items or volunteer your time, please contact staff at [email protected].
