The Natomas Unified Podcast Channel

From the Forklift to the Uplift: A Conversation with Interim Counselor Markus Benjamin

Paths to success are not always linear, for Markus Benjamin, the interim counselor at Natomas Middle, his journey was a more than 23 years long process. Benjamin was an NUSD warehouse specialist before joining the Natomas Middle School team. He explains how he balances work and life, stemming from his start with the Sacramento Job Corps, being a small business owner, a husband and father, an NUSD employee, and a Diverse Future Teachers participant. We proudly share this Conversations with NUSD podcast, in celebration of National School Counseling Week.

The Talk 101 - How to Address Heavy Topics with Children

It may be challenging and often intimidating to have to talk to children about heavy topics. In this episode of our Conversations with NUSD podcast, Angela Da Re, of Delta Prevention, goes over tips to speak with your children about tough issues such as drugs, alcohol, and other issues. 

This episode is a part of a series with our community partner, Delta Prevention. Delta Prevention's mission is to empower youth, families, and the communities where they live, work and play.

In the next episode, Da Re will go over tips to relieve stress.

Tips to Relieve Stress

The stress parents and guardians may carry, impacts children. In this episode of our Conversations with NUSD podcast, Angela Da Re, of Delta Prevention, goes over tips to relieve stress. 

This is the second episode with our community partner, Delta Prevention. Delta Prevention's mission is to empower youth, families, and the communities where they live, work, and play. 

In the next episode, Da Re will share tips on achieving good sleep.

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with Author Traci Sorell

Listen to our latest Conversations with NUSD podcast with author Traci Sorell as we continue to celebrate National Native American Heritage Month. Sorrell is a member of the Cherokee Nation and shares her love of writing, tips on how to create a powerful literacy work, and some insight into her children’s book Powwow Day. If you would like to read "Powwow Day", copies of the book will be available at our K-8 campus libraries for students to borrow. To learn more about Sorell and to see her other books, visit tracisorell.com.

Joey’s Food Locker - Helping Families in Need Since 2015

Joey's Food Locker is our district's food pantry at Natomas High School that offers free food to families in need.  Osvaldo Ortiz, a Community Resource Specialist with NUSD, chats with us about how the community can continue to help families in need by donating money, shelf-stable food, and their time to help distribute bags and translate. 

Joey's Food Locker was first established in 2015 and is dedicated to the memory of Joel Michael Schwieger Jr., son of NUSD's Adult Transitions Program teacher, Joel Schwieger. 

For more information on how to volunteer or donate, click here.

From Food to Adventurous Story

Writing was always a creative outlet for Helen Ketteman and one day, over a meal of Mexican gorditas, she thought of a story idea that would feature a brave gordita on a wild adventure, akin to the fairytale classic, the Gingerbread Boy.

Listen to this podcast as Natomas Unified promotes literacy and shares Ketteman's love of story building; her infusion of Spanish words in her book, Señorita Gordita; and how important it is to read with your family each day. 

You can buy Ketteman's books from her website or from Amazon. 

Click here to watch our Feast and Learn at the NUSD Table video on how to cook gorditas. 

Celebrate Filipino American History Month with author Lori Nakamura

In this podcast we highlight Sacramento-area author Lori Nakamura's book, Pamilya, or family in English. This episode is in support of our Core Value of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as our district celebrates Filipino American History Month.

The book is illustrated by her sister and Inderkum High School graduate, Leah Abucayan. In the story a boy details his family, school, and social life in a Filipino American household. Nakamura says people of all backgrounds can enjoy the book because at the heart of her message, is that we all face similar feelings, albeit as part of different situations. 

If you want to purchase Pamilya or her other book, Love is More Contagious; visit amazon.com, or contact Nakamura on Instagram. 

NUSD’s Resources to Stop Bullying

In this podcast, we highlight the resources we offer students and families if your child is being bullied in recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month in October. Dr. Michele Hamilton, a Director in the Office of the CAO's Department, shares the signs that your child is being bullied or being a bully, and how Natomas Unified can help. 

We also talk about our new Anti-Bullying contest. All Natomas students are encouraged to share their creativity by creating positive memes which depict kindness, inclusivity, and friendship. Contest details may be found here.

Anti-bullying resources we offer, here.

 

 

Dr. Robyn Castillo Reflects on her first 100 Days at NUSD

Natomas Unified's Superintendent Dr. Robyn Castillo has been with our district for 100 days. To commemorate this day, Castillo reflects key on moments, short-term goals she has accomplished, and what she has planned for the rest of the school year.

Castillo has also been a prominent figure at many of our community events. Follow @NUSDSuperintendent on Instagram to follow her ongoing journey.

NUSD Recognizes Suicide Prevention Week

Advisory: This podcast discusses suicide. Please take care when listening to this episode of Conversations with NUSD.

Natomas Unified recognizes September 10th - 16th as National Suicide Prevention Week. Our school district continually strives to connect families, students, and staff to resources that will help support them socially and emotionally. In this episode, host Kay Recede, with the Communications and Family Engagement Department (CAFE), sits down with Earl Pavao, Executive Director and Anthony Da Marto, Director, both of the Student Services and Support Department.

They talk about warning signs, separating fact from fiction about who is impacted and why, and resources the school district offers its families to support recovery. 

NUSD's mental health resources may be found here.

If you, or someone you know may be feeling depressed or experiencing suicide ideation, please know there are people who care and want to help. Call 988 for the suicide and crisis line for both English and Spanish.