Wellness Matters
National Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. We would like to remind students, staff and families that help is always available in NUSD. The district has counselors at secondary schools and social workers available at all schools, along with mental health resources, support groups, and enrichment activities available in the Virtual Turoting and Wellness Center. NUSD also partners with many local and national organizations to provide resources to our school community. If you or anyone you know needs support in this area, you can call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at (800) 273-8255, available 24/7. For additional support, visit the Virtual Tutoring and Wellness Center or the NUSD Social-Emotional Support Referral.
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Trauma-Informed Practices
Tips, Resources and Practices in Action

Becoming trauma informed, means that we recognize and respond to the impact trauma has on the students in our schools, the families in our community and one another as a district. It is shifting our lens from “what is wrong with you” to “what has happened to you?” In doing so, we can create classrooms, schools and a district that intentionally builds resilience that buffers the effects of traumatic stress.

This week the focus is on raising awareness of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) in our school communities. Check out this video that reminds us that we don’t always know what is going on under the Surface for our students and one another. If you’d like more information about ACES see this article

For additional support and resources for students, please visit the Virtual Tutoring and Wellness Center and NUSD Social-Emotional Support Referral.
COVID Vaccination Clinics

NUSD is hosting a series of free vaccination clinics (Pfizer only) on October 1, October 22, and November 12 at the NUSD Service Center, 1931 Arena Blvd. Patients can receive their 1st or 2nd dose at this clinic. If receiving your 2nd dose, please make sure to bring the CDC vaccination card from your 1st appointment. Vaccinations are available to all patients 12 and up. Walk-ins accepted! To make an appointment, click here.
NUSD Releases New COVID-19 Dashboard to Better Reflect Active Cases

NUSD was one of the first districts to launch a COVID Dashboard. From the beginning, we focused on the health and safety of our community, as well as open and transparent communication. As we navigate this pandemic, we realize that we need to adjust how and what we communicate so our stakeholders have the information to make decisions for themselves and their families. Our newly designed dashboard reflects that. To view the new dashboard, click here.
School Spotlight
Natomas High featured on Fox 40 for Game of the Week

It's a big night for the Natomas High School Nighthawks as they take on the Burbank Titans at home. Fox 40 visited the stadium this morning to capture all the excitement for the Morning Kickoff and Game of the Week. Natomas High School football players, cheerleaders and band were all featured and interviewed early this morning during three live segments. Natomas High School JV Football plays at 5 p.m. and Varsity plays at 7:15 p.m. Let's go Nighthawks!
Public Safety Pathway Students Pay Tribute to 9/11 Victims through Memorial Stair Climb

As the sun was rising in the early morning of Friday, Sept. 10, students in the Public Safety Pathway gathered in the Inderkum High School stadium to pay their respects to the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Students - decked out in their firefighter gear - students climbed 65 flights of bleacher stairs or 2000 steps to honor those firefighters and first responders who without hesitation, raced into the Twin Towers and climbed 20,000 stairs 20 years ago. The Public Safety Pathway collaborated with the Broadcast Media Pathway to capture this year's Memorial Stair Climb. Take a look below.
College and Career Ready
Inderkum High School’s Class of 2021 Sets New Highs in IB Diplomas or Certificates

In 2021, 140 outstanding Inderkum High School students fulfilled their IB commitments, including 40 who are IB Diploma Candidates - a new Inderkum record! “The class of 2021 had our best results ever for IB. We had a 90% pass rate for the students attempting diplomas and a huge number of kids who earned passing scores on their certificates. To say they did that despite all the challenges, it’s just extra kudos for them,” explains Jessica Downing, IB Diploma Programme Coordinator. To read the full story, click here or watch highlights of the ceremony in the video below.
California College Fairs

Join the California State University, University of California, and California's Independent Colleges and Universities on October 2 from 1-3 p.m. for the Annual California College Fair! Learn about college opportunities in one virtual space at the same time. RSVP today and start creating your schedule by clicking on the flyer to the right.
Our Diversity is a Strength
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, 2021

NUSD is home to over 3,000 Hispanic students, representing one-third of our diverse population. For Hispanic Heritage Month, the district will feature students sharing their perspectives and encourage students to participate in a poster contest. Schools will engage in their own activities and celebrations, and Trustees will recognize Hispanic Heritage Month at the October 13 board meeting.

Hear from Ben, an 8th-grade student at Paso Verde School as he shares important facts about the Hispanic culture. We invite students to share their perspectives and important facts about the Hispanic culture to be possibly featured in our publications. Email [email protected]. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, NUSD!
Hispanic Heritage Month Poster Contest

Natomas Unified’s Core Belief is “Our Diversity is a Strength.” In support of this belief and in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, NUSD is proud to present its Hispanic Heritage Month contest that recognizes this year’s theme, Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope. The theme invites us to celebrate Hispanic Heritage and reflect on how great our tomorrow can be if we hold onto our resilience and hope. It encourages us to reflect on all of the contributions Hispanics have made in the past, and will continue to make in the future. It is also a reminder that we are stronger together. For contest details, click here.
Native American Day

Friday, September 24, is Native American Day. NUSD is proud to recognize the many contributions that Native Americans have made to this country. Please join us in recognizing the fourth Friday in September as Native American Day. To learn more and to access resources, click here.
Parent University Opportunities
Parent Workshops to Help Prepare Your Student for College

Parent University is offering a variety of workshops beneficial to all NUSD parents/guardians. Join us for these free, informative workshops that will provide you with tools and knowledge to support your student's success as they become college and career-ready! Students are welcome to attend. All workshops will be held virtually.

Thursday, 9/30 -ScholarShare 529 College Savings (K-12th) - Register Here
Enroll in the ScholarShare 529 College Savings plan to start saving more for your child’s education. A 529 plan is an account that allows you to invest specifically for future education expenses. Similar to IRAs and 401(k)/403(b) plans designed to help save for retirement, 529 plans are aimed at helping families save for college. The accounts are administered at the state level and are managed by a financial services company that handles all the paperwork and oversees the investments. Presented by ScholarShare 529.

Tuesday, 10/5 - How to Pay for College (9th-12th) - Register Here
Join us to learn about the different types of financial aid available to students when they begin their higher education journey. During this session, we will primarily focus on how to find and apply for scholarships. Presented by UC Davis, Early Academic Outreach Program. 

Wednesday, 10/6 - Cash for College (12th Grade Students) - Register Here
Students and Families can get help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act (CADAA) and Chafee Grant for Foster Youth applications. Presented by the California Student Aid Commission.

Wednesday, 10/6 - Trauma-Informed Workshop (All Families) - Register Here
What is trauma? Why is it important for the school system to focus on it? How is NUSD presenting concepts related to trauma and its impact on school aged children?
Translation and Interpretation Services for Families

Supporting families in their home language is an essential component of NUSD. The district offers translation and interpretation services for families in over 240 languages at no cost. If you are a parent/guardian of a NUSD student and would like to request translation (written) and/or interpretation (oral) services for assistance during scheduled meetings, phone conversations, and/or conference calls (ie: IEP), please contact your child's school or Constituent and Customer Services at (916) 561-5253.
Career Opportunities
NUSD Seeks to Invest in Diverse Teachers

NUSD is accepting applications for its innovative program that invests in future teachers who reflect the diversity of our community and make a long-term commitment to our students. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 15 for the Diverse Future Teacher Recruitment Program, which offers financial incentives to help a limited number of college graduates earn their teaching credential in return for serving NUSD students for three years or more. Watch the video below to get an inside look into the program from Chief Academic Officer Angela Herrera and hear from two former students who have benefited from the program.
Join NUSD as an Instructional Assistant and Receive up to $1000 in Bonuses

There's still time to join our team as an Instructional Assistant and receive a $500 signing bonus pending successful completion of the hiring process! AND **$500 Retention Bonus** once you successfully complete your probationary period! This is thanks to another collaborative agreement with NUSD and CSEA!

NOTE: Must be hired on or before October 1, 2021, to qualify for the signing and retention bonus. Click here to apply or visit Edjoin.org.
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Let's work together. We encourage parents to stay up-to-date on district developments. We provide multiple opportunities to learn about NUSD successes, plans and events throughout the school year. 

Three key sources are Facebook -- we're listed as "Natomas Unified School District" -- Twitter and Instagram under @NatomasUSD. District and school websites also are a good source of information ranging from lunch menus to parent opportunities. Thanks for taking a look. We're honored to be your partner. 
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