NUSD to Launch Free Internet Program to Keep Students Connected at Home

We have exciting news to share -- NUSD is providing its own LTE broadband network called NUSD Connect, free of charge, to NUSD families that do not have internet access at home for their students. This is another major step NUSD is taking to close the digital divide for students. Students will be able to connect to this network from the comfort of their own homes, allowing them to engage with educational websites to support online learning. NUSD's Private LTE Internet program will be rolled out by school, with an expected completion date of summer 2022. Get a glimpse of what's to come in the video below.
2022-23 School Year Draft Student Calendar Adopted by the Board - Now Available!

The 2022-23 school year draft calendar is now available for families and staff to plan ahead for vacations, child care, and other personal obligations next year.

Key dates include:

  • First day of school: August 11, 2022
  • Last day of school: May 26, 2023
  • Winter Recess: Dec. 23, 2022 - Jan. 6, 2023
  • Spring Recess: April 10-14, 2023

The draft calendar can be accessed here, on the district website, and in your school’s Digital Backpack. 
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NUSD Board Approves Pilot Ethnic Studies Course
The Natomas Unified School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved a pilot Ethnic Studies course during Wednesday night’s board meeting. This comes after extensive research and work on the course development from a group of NUSD teachers, review of work in other districts and partners such as Sac State and UC Davis, and input and feedback from our staff, parents, and students. This course will begin as an elective for high school students starting in the 2022-2023 school year. Read the full article here.

Dual Immersion Interest Survey

As you may know, NUSD has approved opening the Heredia-Arriaga School to students, staff and families for the elementary grades in 2023-2024. (See map below for the school's location.) Heredia-Arriaga will be unique amongst our elementary campuses in that it will have a Spanish dual language immersion (DLI) program, also commonly known as two-way conversion.

The following survey is intended to gather information, potential interest, and input from families who will have a student enrolling into Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten in Natomas Unified in 2023-2024 or beyond to help us continue to inform our planning. If you have a friend or neighbor who lives in Natomas Unified and has an incoming Transitional Kindergartener or Kindergartener in 2023-2024 or beyond, please feel free to forward this information and survey to them. If you do not have a student enrolling into Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten in 2023-2024 or beyond, you do not need to proceed to the survey.

If this applies to your family, please take a few minutes to complete this survey by April 1, 2022. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Nighthawk Student-Athlete Overcomes Adversity, Finds Success Through Sports

We are proud to share this video of Andrew Esquivel, an incredible and inspirational student-athlete who competes as a wrestler and football player for Natomas High School. Esquivel has proven major success through his passion and drive for playing sports, despite having an intellectual disability. His perseverance is a true inspiration to many, including his brother and Nighthawk family. Please take a moment to watch the below video to hear his story.
Celebrations
Natomas Middle School Spotlights Diversity during Week-Long Celebration

Natomas Middle School is excited to resume its Annual Multicultural Week. Principal Marcel Baker started this four years ago to educate and celebrate the diversity of the Natomas Middle School community. The musical fun-filled week included a Mariachi group, Polynesian dancers, and an African drum ensemble. “It’s a learning experience for our kids, as well as something that’s fun, so when they leave, they feel more connected with themselves, to each other, and the school,” said Moshin Khasimuddin, Vice Principal of Natomas Middle School. Check out the video
Inderkum Tiger Derrick Claxton named 'Basketball Player of the Year'

Congratulations to Inderkum High School's Derrick Claxton for being named "Basketball Player of the Year" by 49ers Sac Hi-Sports. Averaging 22 points per game, Derrick was integral in the Tiger's winning season. Learn more about Derrick and his journey to the hoops in this video produced by 49ers Sac-Hi Sports. 
Wellness Matters
New Podcast touching on the importance of keeping our children nourished and ready to learn with nutritious school meals

For National Nutrition Month, we partnered with Dairy Council of California to produce a Podcast touching on the benefits of school meals. Tune in to the second episode of a 3-part series to hear guest Bessie O'Connor, nutrition science project manager of Dairy Council of California answer the question "How do school meals support student success?" Enjoy this episode and many more here. You can also subscribe and listen to our Podcast episodes on Google Podcasts, iTunes Store, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Podbean.
Community COVID-19 Vaccination & Booster Clinics for Ages 5+

Urgent Care Now Natomas is hosting two community COVID-19 vaccination and booster clinics in April. Details are as follows:
Friday, April 1
7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
NUSD Service Center
1931 Arena Blvd.
Friday, April 22
7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
NUSD Service Center
1931 Arena Blvd.
Parent University
Share Your Perspective and Connect with Families during 'Diverse Conversations'

Have you registered? The Communications and Family Engagement team is hosting another virtual "Diverse Conversations," and they would like for you to attend! Zoom-in at 12 p.m. or 6 p.m. Thursday, March 31, for opportunities to share your perspective and connect with other diverse groups. We look forward to hearing your ideas and learning how your perspective can help us be more inclusive and supportive of our diverse community. Please register here.
Scholarship Opportunities for the Class of 2022

It's not too late for your graduating senior to apply for the below scholarship opportunities to help fund their college education! Click on each of the links for applications and complete details.

School Social Media Round-Up
Posted by NUSD Athletics

NUSD 4/5th Boys Soccer: Bannon Creek hosting American Lakes. Both teams competing, getting better and having fun - great games to watch!
Posted by Inderkum High School Public Safety

Fire 2 hanging out in Ms. Fraga's class creating Women's History Month posters. These students chose to highlight Rosemary Roberts Cloud, the first black female fire chief in the country.
Posted by American Lakes School

American Lakes families. Here are some tips to help your child succeed when taking a test.
Posted by Witter Ranch Elementary School

Happy St. Patrick's Day Hawks! Hawks in Ms. Edelen, Mrs. Maylor, Ms. Torres, Mrs. Reilly, and Ms. Del's classes observed the day with stories, art, STEM project Leprechaun traps, and delicious Shamrock Shakes today!
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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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