Congressman Bera Tours NUSD's CTE Pathways
Congressman Ami Bera spent the morning of April 20th, touring and learning about the many Career Technical Education Pathways that Natomas Unified School District provides to students. He mentioned throughout the day how impressed he was with the caliber of students in each CTE Pathway, the facilities they train in for the future, and the dedication of staff.

Natomas Unified offers 10 CTE pathways for students to gain real-world experiences and skills. The tour did not include all 10 pathways, but a sampling of what’s available for students to be engaged, connected, and exposed to possibilities for their future. “It’s about providing exposure not necessarily a commitment to go into that field,” shares AJ Giersch, Executive Director. “The skills are transferable, so if students decide another career path, they can still utilize those workplace competencies.” Read the full article here.
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Take Quick Survey to Identify 5-year Goals and Next Steps

Just prior to Spring Break, we sent an email to inform you that you would be receiving a survey to help us develop goals and identify the next steps for our 5-year strategic plan. If you haven't already taken the survey, click here to complete it. It will only take a few minutes.
Natomas Unified and Classified Employees Reach Tentative Agreement on a 3-Year Contract

NUSD and our local labor partners at CSEA #745 agreed to a 3-Year Contract Agreement that provides our classified employees with an 11% ongoing raise over the next three years, with 10% coming in the next two years. In addition, NUSD and CSEA #745 agreed to 5% on one-time money in 2022-23, and 2% more in 2023-2024, to help address inflation. There was also an increase in Natomas Unified’s contribution to each employee’s health/welfare benefits of $90/month, as well as a recognition of longevity, and an agreement to increase professional growth. While the agreement included more for both partners, there was quick agreement that our classified employees had led the way during the pandemic, many becoming a form of first responders, feeding students and cleaning spaces when we knew very little about COVID. Their courage and commitment to students showed how much this group of employees cares for students, their families and the organization. This love for students and work ethic continues each day. Our classified employees represent, among other positions, the nutrition services workers, custodians, office support, grounds crew, technology team, campus safety specialists and many others. This is the second in a row 3-year agreement between NUSD and CSEA #745.
When Students See Themselves in Books

This is what happens when kids recognize themselves in our books and curriculum. This student, pictured in the chair, was so excited to find in her school library this new collection of books that represents the rich diversity of the Heron School Community. She asked to read the book that explains Ramadan to a 1st-grade class. 
Families Invited to Attend Information Nights for New Dual Immersion School

We will be hosting three upcoming family/community information nights in partnership with California State University, Sacramento (Sac State) College of Education. In these sessions, we will share more information about dual immersion and how our families can enroll students entering Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten in 2023-2024. If you are interested in attending, please review this flyer for more information and click on the date you will be attending to RSVP. We look forward to sharing this information families.
Celebrations
Grab some popcorn and get ready for a movie night in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month

All families are welcome to attend a movie night featuring Disney's "Raya and the Last Dragon" to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, recognized annually in May. This special event will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 6, at Paso Verde School and include a cultural dinner and entertainment before the main production. We ask that interested families RSVP by Sunday, May 1, to join us in celebrating our rich diversity.
Ways to Show You Care for the Afterschool Professionals in Your Child's Life

Join us in thanking Afterschool Professionals who make a positive impact on the lives of our students during out-of-school hours, next week during Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (April 25 - 29). NUSD appreciates the dedicated staff members who invest their time in providing hours of enriching experiences for our students. If you are looking for ways to show your appreciation for the afterschool professionals in your child's life, here are some thoughtful ideas:

  • Hand-written cards from you and/or your child
  • An email to the staff member's manager or administrator 
  • Fun handmade signs put up at the location of your program
  • Healthy or non-food treats for the afterschool program staff
  • Gift cards for a specialty coffee, teacher supply store or bookstore 
NUSD Social Media Round-Up
Posted by NUSD Athletics

Natomas HS Softball plays West Campus at home today! Beautiful afternoon for a game! #letsgonighthawks
Posted by LGA Pathways

Business 6 students designed posters that focused on various industry sectors. Check out these awesome designs by Quarter 3 & Quarter 4 students.
Posted by Inderkum Public Safety

Practicing for this weekend's All Academy Challenge! We are hosting.
Natomas Schools Foundation

Mark your calendars! The Natomas Schools Foundation is participating in the Big Day of Giving on Thursday, May 5, 2022. We hope you may consider giving!
Wellness Matters
Free Basic Health Care at Urgent Care Now Natomas 

Did you know? NUSD has a free community health clinic, Urgent Care Now Natomas (UCNN), that is open to all Natomas community members. UCNN is open every Monday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is centrally located in Natomas at 1931 Arena Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95834.

Schedule an appointment today by visiting the Urgent Care Now Natomas website or by calling (916) 567-5454.
Parent University
Accepting Applications for Youth Workforce Summer Program

From now until May 1, NUSD is accepting applications for its Youth Workforce Summer Program! The program is open to all incoming NUSD 11th and 12th grade students who are interested in learning job skills and working over the summer at Natomas businesses. Please visit this website to review the requirements and submit an application of interest. This program is in partnership with Natomas Chamber of Commerce and Safe Credit Union.
How to Keep Your Child On Track in Middle and High School

Did you know?
  • Students should miss no more than 9 days of school each year to stay engaged, successful and on track to graduation.
  • Frequent absences can be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, struggling with school work, dealing with a bully or facing some other difficulty.
  • By 6th grade, absenteeism is one of three signs that a student may drop out of high school.
  • By 9th grade, attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th grade test scores.
  • Missing 10%, or 2 days a month, over the course of the school year, can affect a student’s academic success.

Here are resources and tips provided by Attendance Works that highlight what you can do to keep your child on track in middle and high school.
City of Sacramento offering free Mental Health Workshops

The City of Sacramento Department of Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment Youth Division is excited to offer free mental health, wellness, and empowerment workshops for youth 13-24 years of age. Workshops will provide a safe space for Youth to join the conversation and learn more about mental health resources available, tips on wellness, and much more. To access workshops and sign up, click here.
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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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