Seeking Parent Input on NUSD’s 18 Month Learning Recovery Plan

There's still time to complete a survey on how distance learning has impacted your household and what we can do to best support students over the next 18 months. If you haven’t already provided feedback, we encourage you to complete the survey linked here today.
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Keeping Students Connected
Student becomes successful in math after tutoring session offered for free in Virtual Tutoring and Wellness Center

When Yvonne Killian scheduled a tutoring session through the NUSD’s Virtual Tutoring and Wellness Center (VTWC) for her son Demetris, she had no idea of the growth that would occur in just a little over a month. “My son came to Ms. Thurmond needing help learning his addition, multiplication, and now division skills. The skills Ms. Thurmond has taught my son has allowed him to go from being a below-average math student to being in the top three of his class to excel on the math test recently taken,” said Killian. Read the entire story here and learn how the VTWC can support you and your child as well.
Dedicated Teachers Provide one-on-one support afterschool in Virtual Tutoring and Wellness Center

Building confidence is the first course of action Teacher Patrick Robinson focuses on during his math tutoring sessions offered in the Virtual Tutoring and Wellness Center (VTWC). “Assuring the kiddos that their brains are made to do math well with practice and always encouraging them to keep trying and not give up goes a long way to engaging them,” explains Robinson, who provides free math tutoring for students in the VTWC. He is one of a team of teachers working after the school day to support students who need extra help during distance learning. Click here to read the entire story. 
Seeking Input for Names of Two New NUSD Schools

NUSD is planning to open two new schools: a virtual academy in the fall of 2021 and a K-5 dual immersion school that could open in the fall of 2024. An important part of these projects is to gather input from our families, staff, and community regarding the names of these new schools. Please take a moment to complete the two question survey to provide initial ideas for possible names of the schools. 
GATE Testing for First Grade Students

During the month of February, all first-grade students in NUSD schools will have the opportunity to participate in GATE testing. The purpose of GATE testing is to identify students who demonstrate the potential for gifted learning and who can benefit from differentiated instruction designed to meet their needs. 

The GATE testing window is February 9-26, and students will take the assessment remotely via a secure browser on their district-issued Chromebook, or other personal devices, while we are in distance learning. All first-grade families will receive information on the next steps soon via email and mail.
Scholarship Opportunities Now Open to Seniors

The LPA Interdisciplinary Diversity Scholarship Program aims to help five high school seniors from underrepresented demographics who are considering a career in building design. Selected recipients will each receive a $5,000 award. The deadline to apply is January 29.

By writing an essay following an excerpt from the Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech given on behalf of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) by Executive Director Beatrice Fihn on December 10, 2017, students can earn up to $15,000 in scholarships. The deadline for students to enter the contest is March 20.

To enter the Americans Against Gun Violence scholarship contest, students must submit an essay of 500 words or fewer in response to a prompt. A total of $15,000 will be awarded to twelve winners. The deadline for students to enter the contest is 11:59 p.m. on April 17.
Mexican Consulate to offer Virtual College Fair

The Consulate General of Mexico in Sacramento will offer a free virtual college fair every Saturday in February. The fair is designed to help all families and students navigate a successful path to college. See the flyer below for details or visit https://stepstocollegesac.org/.
NUSD is Proud to Participate in the Great Kindness Challenge

This week, NUSD joined the California Department of Education, The Great Kindness Challenge, and millions of students worldwide to celebrate Kindness Week. The Great Kindness Challenge is a global, proactive bullying-prevention initiative that aims to create a culture of kindness, compassion, acceptance, and mutual respect. The theme for this year is Kindness Unites.

We’d love to see all of the ways you and your child participated. Please share your photos with us by emailing [email protected] for a chance to be featured in our publications.  
African American History Month Contest Open to Students K-12

NUSD is proud to celebrate African American History Month in February with an essay and poster contest that supports the district’s vision of graduating “productive, responsible, and engaged global citizens.” Through the contest, students will research and learn about the importance of civil rights, justice, and freedom for mankind. 

Entries are due no later than February 5. Click here for contest rules and details. 
Resources You Need to Know
Free Drive-Through Dental Screening for Children Ages 6 months to 5 years

The COVID-19 pandemic has kept many families from accessing dental care. That’s why NUSD’s Early Learning Program and Early Smiles Sacramento (ESS) are co-hosting a Free Drive-Through Dental Screening event from 9-11 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, February 4, at 1901 Arena Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95834. Families with children 6 months through 5 years in age are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance here.

Limited walk-ins will be available. If you have any questions, please contact Vanessa Herrera at [email protected].
Getting Tested for COVID-19 in Sacramento County

Have you heard that COVID-19 testing sites throughout Sacramento County now have self-swabbing tests? These tests are free, simple, pain-free, and just as accurate as other testing methods. In addition, all community testing sites have transitioned to a Statewide testing program, which is a paperless system using a software platform called Color. We encourage you to watch the video linked here to learn more about the new process. 

For additional information or to find a testing site near you, please click here.
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Let's work together. We encourage parents and staff 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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Brought to you by NUSD Communications. If you have questions, comments or story tips, please call (916) 561-5267 or email [email protected].