The mother and daughter share the importance of quality family time, how they came to be a part of the Natomas community, and the importance of food and song during family celebrations.

The schools are two examples of how NUSD takes a holistic approach to provide students and NUSD families with resources, working to improve student outcomes by focusing on physical, emotional, and the social emotional needs of students. Visit their websites for more information: Jefferson School, Natomas High School.

If you’d like to be featured in this series, please fill out this form.

This is the fourth episode with our community partner, Delta Prevention. Delta Prevention's mission is to empower youth, families, and the communities where they live, work, and play. 

In the next episode, Da Re will share tips on LUV (Listen, Understand, Validate) Listening.

This is the sixth episode with our community partner, Delta Prevention. Delta Prevention's mission is to empower youth, families, and the communities where they live, work, and play.

This is the fifth episode with our community partner, Delta Prevention. Delta Prevention's mission is to empower youth, families, and the communities where they live, work, and play. 

In the next episode, Da Re will share tips on family rules and expectations.

This is the third episode with our community partner, Delta Prevention. Delta Prevention's mission is to empower youth, families, and the communities where they live, work, and play. 

In the next episode, Da Re will share tips on family communication and problem solving techniques.

This episode is a part of a series with our community partner, Delta Prevention. Delta Prevention's mission is to empower youth, families, and the communities where they live, work and play.

In the next episode, Da Re will go over tips to relieve stress.

This is the second episode with our community partner, Delta Prevention. Delta Prevention's mission is to empower youth, families, and the communities where they live, work, and play. 

In the next episode, Da Re will share tips on achieving good sleep.

Joey's Food Locker was first established in 2015 and is dedicated to the memory of Joel Michael Schwieger Jr., son of NUSD's Adult Transitions Program teacher, Joel Schwieger. 

For more information on how to volunteer or donate, click here.

Listen to this podcast as Natomas Unified promotes literacy and shares Ketteman's love of story building; her infusion of Spanish words in her book, Señorita Gordita; and how important it is to read with your family each day. 

You can buy Ketteman's books from her website or from Amazon. 

Click here to watch our Feast and Learn at the NUSD Table video on how to cook gorditas. 

The book is illustrated by her sister and Inderkum High School graduate, Leah Abucayan. In the story a boy details his family, school, and social life in a Filipino American household. Nakamura says people of all backgrounds can enjoy the book because at the heart of her message, is that we all face similar feelings, albeit as part of different situations. 

If you want to purchase Pamilya or her other book, Love is More Contagious; visit amazon.com, or contact Nakamura on Instagram. 

We also talk about our new Anti-Bullying contest. All Natomas students are encouraged to share their creativity by creating positive memes which depict kindness, inclusivity, and friendship. Contest details may be found here.

Anti-bullying resources we offer, here.

Castillo has also been a prominent figure at many of our community events. Follow @NUSDSuperintendent on Instagram to follow her ongoing journey.

Natomas Unified recognizes September 10th - 16th as National Suicide Prevention Week. Our school district continually strives to connect families, students, and staff to resources that will help support them socially and emotionally. In this episode, host Kay Recede, with the Communications and Family Engagement Department (CAFE), sits down with Earl Pavao, Executive Director and Anthony Da Marto, Director, both of the Student Services and Support Department.

They talk about warning signs, separating fact from fiction about who is impacted and why, and resources the school district offers its families to support recovery. 

NUSD's mental health resources may be found here.

If you, or someone you know may be feeling depressed or experiencing suicide ideation, please know there are people who care and want to help. Call 988 for the suicide and crisis line for both English and Spanish.

Attending class every day, on time, is integral to a student’s academic success. So, how are educators working to encourage students to come to class every day, on time?

Form Good Habits Early

Natomas Unified is committed to providing an engaging and safe learning community where all students will thrive. In our latest episode of Conversations with NUSD Podcast, Shayla Allen, our district’s Social Worker Liaison, who works with families experiencing homelessness and foster youth, explains how instilling good habits starts young. Allen says beginning at the Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten levels help build healthy routines in a student’s life, “This is where our students learn to interact socially with peers, how to get along with peers, and how to be in a structured space,” Allen said. Attending classes on-time, everyday at the lower level also helps students understand rules, structure, and to adapt to a classroom environment. 

NUSD: A Proactive Partner in Student Success

Allen also reminds our families of our Vision, which is to provide an engaging and safe learning environment for our students, staff, and families. “We strive to make sure our students and families feel secure in going to school,” Allen said. NUSD’s Board of Trustees is committed to providing students with social-emotional support, having approved a budget that includes employing social workers at each of our sites. 

Our school’s staff is dedicated to providing environments that help students thrive - such as the Calming Center at Witter Ranch, Lunch Bunch at Jefferson School, and small group activities so students have an easier time adapting to social situations. Programs vary by site, please check with your school’s staff for availability.

Helping Families Overcome Barriers

NUSD is also committed to helping students experiencing homelessness, get to school safely by providing Walking School Buses (please check with your school’s staff for availability, and even staying dry in wet weather. “Thanks to donations, if our low-income and foster students need bikes, scooters, or skateboards; those are all means to get to school, we also support them in that area, too,” Allen explained. 

NUSD also provides families in need with shelf-stable food, and fresh fruit and vegetables, thanks to donations, through Joey’s Food Locker at Natomas High School. The facility serves families from 4 to 5:30 pm every Friday. If you would like to donate money or food, or would like to volunteer, please click here for more information. If you are a family in need of food assistance, please fill out this form.

For a list of resources offered to low-income and foster youth, please click here.

In this episode, Castillo details her 30 year career in education, having been a classroom teacher for nine years, a Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and an Associate Superintendent. Castillo says her love of learning began at an early age, thanks in part to her mother, who ran a preschool when she was a child. She recalls playing “school” with her sister, teaching her dolls, and writing lesson plans as a child. 

Castillo says that when she was looking for job opportunities, Natomas Unified was the perfect fit for her and her family thanks to the location, weather, family ties and, most importantly, our district’s Core Values and Vision for our students. “When I looked at different districts, I wanted to find a district that had Core Values that were aligned with my own educational philosophy. When I looked into NUSD, I saw its work in inclusion, the International Baccalaureate program, Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathways; just a lot of amazing things going on and just the dedication to student success,” Dr. Castillo says.

Castillo also details some of her First 100 Days plan. “I will focus on building positive relationships with all of our educational partners and to familiarize myself with all aspects of district operations,” Castillo says, “I plan to establish a strong community presence, assess our district’s strengths and areas of growth, and cultivate partnerships that will contribute to maintaining and growing excellence in the district.” She’s been visiting all of our 16 campuses, familiarizing herself with the sites, so she’s ready for the first day of school on August 10th. 

In December 2020, the Didier’s lives changed forever, when Chris found his son in the teen’s room, appearing to be sleeping. “As I approached him to wake him up, I sensed a void I never felt before and I knew something was horribly wrong,” Chris recalled. 

Investigators would later learn that Zach may have purchased what he thought was Percocet from a drug dealer at a Roseville mall via Snapchat. The pill was synthetic and contained a lethal dose of Fentanyl. Chris has been raising awareness since Zach’s death and, although a sensitive topic, advises parents to talk with their students with empathy and understanding about the dangers of ingesting such pills. “This is not the time to experiment (with illicit Fentanyl). In the past, the danger was getting addicted and falling down that slippery slope of addiction, but today, especially with counterfeit pills, it could be one time… it could even be half a pill and it is lights out,” Chris advised.

To learn more about Didier’s work to raise awareness, visit: https://stopthevoid.org/

Beginning this spring, Natomas Unified School District (NUSD) will begin a partnership with B Street Theatre, a staple in the Sacramento arts community for over 30 years! “This is such a great opportunity for our students,” said Chris Evans, Superintendent of Natomas Unified School District. It’s all a part of the district’s new afterschool program called LEAP Academy, which beginning in the fall will be available at all K-5 and K-8 school sites. Currently, the program is being offered at American Lakes, Bannon Creek, and Jefferson K-8 schools as part of the pilot before launching fully for the 2023-2024 school year.

“Providing students with more opportunities to explore the arts, particularly at the elementary level, has always been something the Board of Trustees and staff have wanted to implement in NUSD. It’s been a challenge to make that happen given all of the requirements and other important budget priorities that we must implement as a district.” 

Experienced B Street Theatre educators will bring the performing arts experience directly to Natomas Unified students at their school sites during the afterschool program. While there, students will participate in theater exercises, performance skills, and playwriting development. These activities help to support student’s language development, reading comprehension, and writing. There may even be opportunities for students to demonstrate what they’ve learned in the form of a production in front of family and friends. This could be just what some students need to learn they have a passion for the performing arts and something they may want to pursue.

B Street Theatre is just one of the multiple local organizations that the district is partnering with to bring more enrichment opportunities to students. NUSD will also partner with organizations that will provide activities that focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), music, cooking, coding, and more. “We want students to look forward to attending LEAP Academy, so we are really focusing on programming that keeps them engaged and curious while strengthening their skills in language arts, math and science,” said Tonja Jarrell, Associate Superintendent.

LEAP Academy is made possible from new state funding called Expanded Learning Opportunities Program. It provides three additional hours to the school day. Priority is given to students considered with a high-need based on state requirements; however, once those families choose to participate or not, the remaining available spaces will be open to the general student population.

To learn more about LEAP Academy and how you may register your incoming TK-6th grade student, visit https://natomasunified.org/leap-academy/. We have also recorded a podcast where we sit down with Yee Yang, an NUSD Director leading this effort. Take a listen to learn more.

The two share their experiences with educating students who are on the spectrum. How spreading awareness begins with acceptance; the acceptance that everyone is different and that’s ok; meeting students where they’re at, learning their take on the world is a bit different and that gives insight into who these students are; and learning that communication is more than just words. 

NUSD Resources:

https://natomasunified.org/departments/student-services-and-support/special-education/

Teachers have been undergoing training, and new curriculum is being piloted in language arts and social-emotional learning. We’re seeking input from teachers, parents, and students to help shape its courses for NUSD early learners. 

TK courses are integral, as 90-percent of brain growth happens before a child enters kindergarten, research shared by the organization First Things First has shown.

Listen as Amanda Garcia, an Early Learning Coordinator with NUSD, explains how Natomas is preparing for the expansion of TK classes to all 4-year-olds by 2025.

Links mentioned in this episode: 

Natomas Unified

Natomas Unified's Early Learning Survey

Video - Transitional Kindergarten and its Expansion at NUSD

Listen as Kristen Martin, an NUSD IB Coordinator and Trevor MacKenzie, a world renowned teacher based in Canada, explain the benefits of IB learning and why fostering a child's curiosity matters.

“Play is the foundation of everything for child development. That’s where you learn how to socialize, to make friends in a positive way,” Pam Nabor-Martinez, an NUSD Child Development Specialist said.

The playgroup sessions are a great way for kids to learn and socialize. “So the pandemic kind of hit him pretty hard. He got really anti-social, so I started bringing him out more after the pandemic. Coming here, meeting friends, we can see a difference. At first, he doesn’t want to play with anyone, but he’s opening a lot more,” Jenny Du, a parent said. 

Parents must attend the 1.5-hour sessions and kids must not be currently enrolled in the preschool program to register. 

Session three begins January 31st to March 10th. Session four begins March 28th until May 12th. To sign up, please email Nabor-Martinez at: pnabor-martinez@natomasunified.org

Kwanzaa was first created in 1966 by activist Dr. Maulana Karenga, based on African harvest festival traditions from parts of Africa. It is a non-secular holiday and a way for community members of African descent to honor their history and traditions. We invite you to listen to this podcast with Minister Imhotep Alkebulan, who is well known for leading Kwanzaa celebrations in the Sacramento region.

Links: 

Official Kwanzaa site

Minister Imhotep Alkebulan’s Organization

Leading with empathy, knowing when to "unfollow and mute", and how to have better conversations with your teens are just a few topics discussed in this episode. 

To learn more about the book: https://www.behindtheirscreens.com/

The authors also share tips on: https://smartsocial.com/

From the "main topic" to punctuation and grammar, Orr and Oberstar explain how each rubric will help elevate a child's reading and writing skills, and how these lessons can help families engage with one another. 

More Resources: 

https://natomasunified.org/literacy-series-update-what-is-a-writing-rubric-and-how-it-is-helpful/

In this episode we speak with Crystal Blue, an NUSD parent, of the Ione Band of Miwok Indians; Raquel Gonzales of the Shingle Springs Rancheria Band of Miwok Indians; and parent/staff member Isaac Bojorquez, of the KaKoon Ta Ruk Band of Ohlone-Costanoan Indians of the Big Sur Rancheria, from Monterey County.

The trio shares a little bit of history of the tribes around Sacramento, the work to reawaken Native languages, and how community members can learn more through events such as "Big Time". 

More resources: 

Sacramento Native American Health Center

Native Land Map

State Indian Museum

Native American Heritage Commission

California Indian Heritage Center (in development in west Sacramento)

A group of NUSD teachers reviewed and discussed student writing levels and agreed on five key scoring elements of writing that a student’s writing is scored on. Breaking the writing into five elements helps to identify specific areas of strength and areas for growth. These  five scoring elements are as follows:

• Topic or Main Idea (K-5) /Thesis Statement (6-12)
• Development
• Organization
• Use of sources (K-5) and Selection and Citation of Evidence (6-12)
• Standard English Conventions

This is part one of a two part series focusing on our literacy efforts.

Listen as Dr. Esther Perez, Meeks Academy's executive director, and Sunny Bun, a Meeks Academy teacher, explain the benefits of enrolling at the school as they take virtual learning to the next level. 

Click here to learn more about enrollment.

Listen as Steven Fong, Executive Director in the Chief Academic Officer department, explains how to use the guide and how it may help tackle a child's learning challenges and how to help them thrive.

More information may be found here: https://natomasunified.org/learning-recovery-and-intervention-guide/

Listen as Tonja Jarrell, NUSD’s Associate Superintendent, discusses these trainings and why our first thoughts about people can't be our last. 

Next training for staff members is scheduled for October 10th with the organization, Culturally Responsive. 

Click here for upcoming professional development trainings: https://natomasunified.org/pd-opportunities-catalogue-2021-2022/

Sacramento-based news anchor, Ordaz, wanted her young children to read about strong, diverse characters. When she noticed the lack of diversity, she began writing about positive/STEM related stories, with Hispanic protagonists. 

Ordaz will also read her newest book, “The Carousel King and the Space Mission,” this Friday, September 30th, 6 pm, during NUSD’s “Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month Through Literacy” Event at Bannon Creek School. 

NUSD will also provide food, folklorico dance, and a workshop on piñatas!

To register for the event: natomasparentuniversity.com

En este episodio hablamos de la nueva escuela primaria de NUSD, Heredia-Arriaga, que se inaugurará en el 2023-2024. Esta escuela ofrecerá un programa de inmersión en dos idiomas que ayudará a los niños a aprender tanto el español como el inglés.

Escuche cómo la directora de la escuela, Liz Aguirre, y la maestra, Lina Bornstein, repasan los beneficios de un programa DLI y cómo puede inscribir a los estudiantes de kínder de transición y Kinder.

Presentado por:

Kay Recede, Coordinadora III del C.A.F.E. (Departamento de Comunicaciones y Compromiso Familiar) del NUSD

Invitados:

Liz Aguirre, Directora, Escuela Primaria Heredia-Arriaga

Lina Bornstein, Maestra, Escuela Primaria Heredia-Arriaga

Para más información:

https://natomasunified.org/heredia-arriaga-school/

In this episode, we discuss NUSD’s newest elementary school, Heredia-Arriaga, which is set to open in 2023-2024. This school will offer a dual language immersion program that will help children learn both Spanish and English. 

Listen in as the school’s principal, Liz Aguirre, and teacher, Lina Bornstein, go over the benefits of a DLI program and how you may enroll your transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students. 

Hosted by: 

Kay Recede, Coordinator III of NUSD’S C.A.F.E. (Communications and Family Engagement Department)

Guests: 

Liz Aguirre, Principal, Heredia-Arriaga Elementary School

Lina Bornstein, Teacher, Heredia-Arriaga Elementary School

For more information: 

https://natomasunified.org/heredia-arriaga-school/

Guests:

Sonia Fernandez Arana, Program Manager, Let’s Eat Healthy 

Vince Caguin, Director of Nutrition Services and Warehousing

Natomas Unified School District partnered with the Dairy Council of California to discuss how school meals support students' health and well-being. In this segment, you will learn about the background of school meals and access to nutritious foods.

Host - Lisset Mijares, Coordinator III, Communications & Family Engagement

Guest - Megan Holdaway, Program Manager, Dairy Council of California

Hosts:

Deidra Powell - Executive Director Communications & Family Engagement

Guest:

AJ Giersch -  Executive Director Career Technical Education, State and Federal Programs

Hosts:

Angela Da Re, President/CEO Delta Prevention

Jeremy Greene, NUSD Psychologist

Show Handouts

Test Your Stress

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N12FsVPi28tLK_21muTOe3qm_dKN0rrT/view?usp=sharing

Relieving Stress

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r7UT5GTuAPAFQQOJ8wdZNZjm8aIw5A7G/view?usp=sharing

Hosts:

Natasha Rowlett, Kimberly Stepp, Ranbir Bains 

Host Deidra Powell,  Executive Director Communications & Family Engagement (CAFE)

Guest Michael Lynch, Co-Founder and CEO of Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT)

Guests:

Parents Satty Rooprai and Sumiti Mehta

Deidra Powell, Executive Director

Hosts

Jeremy Greene, Psychologist

Earl Pavao, Executive Director

Earl Pavao

Guest Host: Deidra Powell, Director of Communications

Guest: Esther Perez, Executive Director and Tonja Jarrell, Assistant Superintendent

Guest Host: Deidra Powell, Director of Communications

Shea Borges, Executive Director of the Office of the Chief Academic Officer

Guest Host: Deidra Powell, Director of Communications

Carol Swanson, Associate Superintendent, Student Services, Earl Pavao, Executive Director and Anthony Damarto, Director

Guest Host: Deidra Powell, Director of Communications

Chief Academic Officer Angela Herrera

Guest Host: Deidra Powell, Director of Communications

Executive Director of Technology Jason Gregg

Guest: Superintendent Chris Evans with guest David Rodriguez, Assistant Superintendent, Office of the Chief Academic Officer

Guest: Lisset Mijares, Coordinator, Office of the Chief Academic Officer

Chris Evans, Superintendent

Guest: Heidi Lattuada, Director of Constituent & Customer Services

Chris Evans, Superintendent

Guests: Doug Orr, Associate Superintendent and Tonja Jarrell, Principal, Paso Verde and Host Chris Evans, Superintendent.

Guests:

AJ Giersch, Director of Career Technical Education

Chris Evans, Superintendent, Host

Guests:

Shea Borges, Executive Director, Office of the Chief Academic Officer

Colleen Perry, Principal, Two Rivers Elementary School