Families Explore Courses and Options at 2023 Secondary Showcase

Thank you to all of the students and families who explored the courses and options we offer at the secondary level during this year’s Secondary Showcase. Students were able to get information about our Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathways, specialized programs at schools, and more!

Enrollment for the 2024-25 School Year Opens November 1st

Families looking to enroll their child into Natomas Unified for the upcoming 2024-25 school year, may do so in person or online beginning November 1st.

Discovery High School Students Treated to BBQ for Academic Excellence

Congratulations to these Bulldogs for excelling this quarter! They were recognized with the WOW Award, which is given to juniors and seniors who earned 30 or more credits for quarter one, at Discovery High School and treated to a delicious BBQ meal with their families.

Social – Emotional Growth & Learning

Winners of the Tell Us What You Meme – Anti Bullying Contest

Here are the top three memes in our Tell Us What You Meme Anti-Bullying Contest. Congratulations to Devon, Aaralyn, and Effie! And, thank you to all the students who submitted memes and share their message of inclusion, kindness, and empathy!

“Toys” Spread Joy at Vista Nueva

Parents as Partners

Resources for Families

ParentSquare Tips and Tricks: How to Join a Group

ParentSquare is the unifying app that helps keep families in the know regarding Natomas Unified and school news. Joining a public group can help parents and guardians can talk with other families about clubs, committees, community forums, after school programs, and more. Groups make it possible to share information and organize school events.

To join a group which interests you: 

• Click Groups in the left sidebar
• Look for Public Groups with the people icon
• Then click join group next to the group that interests you

STAFF STARS

NUSD Administrator Awarded for School Nutrition Initiatives

Vince Caguin, the Executive Director of Nutrition Services and Warehousing, has been recognized for his school nutrition initiatives by the Center for Ecoliteracy. Caguin is revolutionizing school food procurement. When he read that lettuce from neighboring Fiery Ginger Farm had gone to waste during the pandemic, he started thinking creatively about how to support Sacramento-area farmers. Caguin formed a visionary partnership with Fiery Ginger Farm’s new Spork Food Hub, becoming the first school district in the state of California to name a local food hub as its primary produce provider.

This unique model provides students with fresh produce like butternut squash, salanova lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes sourced from nearby farms. Caguin’s partnership has supported Spork Food Hub to grow its operations to source from more than 30 local farmers and provide food to over 20 school districts. Caguin has more than 11 years of experience in school nutrition including being the former Academic Department Chair at Le Cordon Bleu Los Angeles.

Flashback Friday: Teri Ortega

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

This newsletter, we feature Teri Ortega, an office specialist III, at our Education Center.

Question: What did you want to be when you were younger?

Terri: I wanted to be a dancer when I was younger. I took dancing lessons when I was 4-years-old. I was shy, but I gained more confidence through dancing.

Question: Tell us about the throwback pictures you shared.

Terri: I shared these photos because dancing was something that I enjoyed doing and it brings back good memories. The photo of me on the movie set of The Money Trap (1965), is also a fond memory.

Question: Why do you like working for Natomas Unified?

Answer: I enjoy interacting with people and I’m a people person. I love working with great people and helping community members.

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

Community Partners

New Tool to Help Potential Teachers: Roadmap to Teaching Initiative

Have you considered becoming a teacher? Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) “Roadmap to Teaching” initiative  provides career counselors and interactive online tools to members of the public who may be interested in becoming an educator. Click on this link to learn more.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Whether it’s around a dinner table, at a party, or while doing homework; gathering with family members is always a moment to cherish. Thank you to 1st grader Zara and her family for sharing this photo of them. This Filipino American History Month, our district invited students to share pictures of them with their families to celebrate our diversity. Zara will now receive an autographed copy of the children’s book, Pamilya, by Sacramento-area author Lori Nakamura, illustrated by Inderkum High School graduate Leah Abucayan.

Copies of Pamilya will be distributed to our school libraries for students to have access to enjoy the book.

Superintendent’s Corner

Superintendent Dr. Robyn Castillo loves being out in the community and connecting with our families, staff and partners. She often chronicles her visits on her Instagram, as the pictures above show. To follow along with her, click here and hit “follow”.

Events and Announcements

NUSD Newsroom Hub