Schools closed in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

There will be no school or meal service on Monday, January 17, 2022, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In anticipation of the holiday, Nutrition Services will distribute three days of meals during supper feeding today, January 14 at the following locations. Meal service varies by school site.

To celebrate and honor the life of civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the National Museum of African American History and Culture is hosting a virtual event entitled History Alive! Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: The Last Five Years on Monday, January 17, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. PST. This event is free. If you are interested in attending, click here to attend.
Building Our Culture of Resilience
Hight creates welcoming environment for families

When families enter the H. Allen Hight Elementary School lobby, they are welcomed with a beautiful blue and silver display exhibiting how the school is Building Our Culture of Resilience. With decorations based on a winter wonderland theme, Principal Andrea Mitchell and her sister, a Natomas resident, created paper snowflakes to highlight the programs to help students build their resilience. From lunch bunch to PBIS to Second Step and Student Voice and Check-In, families can easily see what’s available to support students.

“I want our families to know what we’re doing and ask questions about what they see. I’m already planning for the next design where we’ll focus on our diversity and have students write about what they love about their culture. It creates a warm, welcoming environment for our families,” said Mitchell.

During this challenging time in the pandemic, all NUSD schools are finding creative ways to build the resilience of students. We’ll continue to feature other examples.
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Listen to new podcast episode on strategies to prevent and relieve stress

As part of our efforts to continue Building a Culture of Resilience, we're sharing a special podcast on strategies to relieve stress. Learn practical tips from NUSD Psychologist Jeremy Greene and Community Partner Angela Da Re of Delta Prevention. This podcast was designed to remind and help you "Take Care of Yourself and Others." Enjoy!

All of our podcasts can be located in the Apple and iTunes store, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, and our dedicated podcast webpage at natomasunified.org/podcast.
District Updates
County Committee Approves By-Trustee Area Elections and More for NUSD

Beginning with the November 2022 election, Natomas Unified School District will elect its Trustees with By-Trustee Areas instead of At-Large. The final approval came Wednesday night, January 11, 2022, with a 6-1 vote by the County Committee on School District Organization. The approval also included adoption of Map Scenario F and an election sequencing schedule for 2022 and 2024. To learn more about this final step in the approval process, click here.
Opportunities to review potential Science textbooks for next year

Our Science Textbook Adoption process, as aligned with California Next Generation Science Standards, is underway! Specific teachers across the district are piloting the science materials under consideration with our students. Another important part of the adoption process is receiving parent/guardian feedback on the curricular options. 

To obtain feedback from families, NUSD is providing all parents with access to digital versions of the science materials under consideration. You will find digital access (usernames, passwords, and links) to the curriculum below. After reviewing the materials, you may provide feedback here. Additionally, NUSD staff will host multiple meetings for parents/guardians to provide input and to have an opportunity to ask questions or gather additional information from NUSD staff. Our first meeting will be held virtually in accordance with local COVID guidance. In February, we will evaluate the possibility of offering in-person sessions if it is safe to do so. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP here. Zoom access will be provided to parents/guardians who RSVP prior to the meeting date.

The meetings will be offered: 
  • Tuesday, Jan. 18 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. via Zoom. 
  • Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 5-7 p.m. via Zoom.
  • Thursday, Feb. 3 from 5-7 p.m. via Zoom. 

As parents are an important stakeholder in this process, we look forward to receiving your input on the materials and are grateful for your time and consideration. Please see the table below for digital access to the science materials under consideration, and fill out this form with your feedback. We appreciate your participation! Email [email protected] with any questions. See below for photos of our students engaging in the curriculum.
Wellness Matters
How NUSD addresses latest COVID updates

With COVID guidance rapidly changing, it might be difficult to keep up with how we are addressing the virus. In our efforts to keep you informed with the latest information, our new COVID Communication webpage will be updated regularly based on information we receive from the Sacramento County of Public Health (SCPH). The page will describe how NUSD is planning to address the guidance that has been received. ONLY changes are reported on the page. Families are encouraged to check this page regularly or view the COVID Safety Plan for additional information.
COVID Testing clinic to change hours starting Tuesday

Beginning Jan. 18, NUSD's Community COVID Testing clinic at 1931 Arena Blvd. will open Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and close at 3:30 p.m. No appointment is needed, but registration is required at natomasunified.org/covid-19-testing. Please bring your ID and wear a face mask.
Joey's Food Locker available to families across Natomas

Joey's Food Locker distributes fresh produce and non-perishable food to families in need every Friday from 4-5:30 p.m. Every family in Natomas can visit the food locker TODAY to receive 8-10 pounds of chicken, bags of apples, potatoes, yams, food bags of spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, beef stew, tomato sauce, soup, almonds, and cereal. The food locker is located at Natomas High School, 3301 Fong Ranch Road (near the tennis courts). If you have any questions, please contact Osvaldo Ortiz, Community Resource/Outreach Specialist, at (916) 870-1659 or [email protected]
Please note: The Urgent Care Now Natomas clinic will be closed on Monday, January 17, 2022 in observance of MLK Day.
Celebrate Our Diversity
An invitation to play and learn through Playgroups

Come and join our relaxed, friendly and welcoming virtual playgroups twice a week for children 0-5 years old. Playgroups are a great opportunity for parents and/or caregivers to work alongside their children to support learning and development through play and social interactions. Our friendly staff coordinate and facilitate playgroups which include circle time, crafts, and music.

If you are interested in registering your young scholar for our free virtual playgroups taking place twice a week, feel free to contact Pam Nabor-Martinez at (209) 465-1357 or email [email protected].
Parent University
Upcoming Parent University Workshops

January is packed with workshops aimed to support your student's mental health and academic success. Topics/dates are as follows:

Tuesday, Jan. 18: Trauma Informed Practices
Wednesday, Jan. 19: Adoptive Parent Support Group
Thursday, Jan. 20: College Mentoring Programs
Tuesday, Jan. 25: Conversations with Latinx Families
Tuesday, Jan. 25: Augmentative Alternative Communication 101 for Families
Wednesday, Jan. 26: Conversations with African American Families
Thursday, Jan. 27: Conversations with Asian Families
Thursday, Jan.27: Restorative Justice

Please register beforehand to receive information on attending/joining the workshops at www.natomasparentuniversity.com.
Please 'Like' us on Facebook
and follow us on Twitter & Instagram

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. 
CONTACT US  
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