NUSD Midweek Spotlight: Two Exemplary College-Bound Graduates, Welcome New Leader for Dual Immersion School, & Witter Ranch Hawks Pause & Recharge in Calming Center

Celebrating Our Graduates

This week we are focusing on two graduates from Discovery and Natomas High whose hard work is paying off. Congratulations to both of them. Job well done! We will continue featuring graduates from all of our high schools throughout this graduation season.

Kaydee Manikhong

Natomas High School

UC Berkeley

Kaydee Manikhong will attend UC Berkeley in the fall to study psychology. She was a Link Crew leader and played volleyball and softball while working 20 hours a week. She also participated in EAOP and was a peer tutor. She was the 11th grade Vice President. She received the Seal of Biliteracy and was an AP Capstone student. She will graduate with a 4.3 GPA.

Costello White

Discovery High School

ARC

Costello White will attend American River College to study psychology. He is a voice and advocate for Discovery High School.

New Leader Selected for NUSD's Spanish Dual Immersion School

It’s been 31 years since Elizabeth Aguirre began her career in education, a journey filled with joy and pride. A graduate from Sacramento State University, Aguirre was selected to be the new leader of Heredia-Arriaga, the Natomas Unified School District’s New Spanish Dual Immersion School opening for the 2023-2024 school year. “I am looking forward to having the ability to design the school and work with a team of people who want to create a dual immersion program that is going to help students to learn two languages,” shares Aguirre. She’s bringing experience with her including being a former principal at a Dual Immersion school, Bowling Green Chacon Language and Science Academy. Read more about Aguirre and her passions here.

Calming Center for Students at Witter Ranch Elementary School

The Student Calming Center is a safe, calm, and quiet space where students can relax during their designated recess time. “It’s very calm and peaceful here,” says one of the students who visits the Calming Center frequently. Developed by Witter Ranch’s MTSS and PBIS teams and set into motion by the school social worker and school psychologist, the Center was developed to expand the school’s positive culture and climate through a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) lens.

The atmosphere is accentuated with low lighting, relaxing music, and calming scents, something students look forward to. “I like the music, and I like the way it smells,” shares another frequent visitor. Students are able to participate in different activities such as reading, coloring mandalas, and completing puzzles as well as engage in sensory activities such as playdough, pop its, and stretchy toys. Whitter’s school psychologist also offers yoga sessions once a week, a favorite among students. Quality time in the Center allows students to meet other children who have similar interests and social emotional practices and build meaningful relationships with other students and staff outside of the classroom.