Literacy is the foundation of lifelong learning. In Episode 2 of In the Know, Superintendent Dr. Robyn Castillo sits down to discuss how Natomas Unified is championing reading proficiency and how families can get involved at home.

What You'll Learn:

In the first podcast of the 2026–27 school year, NUSD Superintendent Dr. Robyn Castillo sits down with Kay Recede (Kay from CAFE) from Communications and Family Engagement to discuss the district’s theme, Building Our Future Together.

Tune in to hear more about preparations for the new school year, the importance of this year’s theme, and NUSD’s priorities for 2026–27.​

You can also watch the video version here.

Each February, we celebrate National African American/ Black History month. Listen to our latest “The Stories We Weave” episode where we interview Krystal King; an NUSD parent; and her daughter Lena; a student of Inderkum High School. 

The mother and daughter share the importance of quality family time, how they came to be a part of the Natomas community, and the importance of food and song during family celebrations.

Jefferson School and Natomas High School are community schools! Learn how educators are working to remove barriers to help scholars along the path to success in this latest episode of the “Conversations with NUSD” podcast. 

The schools are two examples of how NUSD takes a holistic approach to provide students and NUSD families with resources, working to improve student outcomes by focusing on physical, emotional, and the social emotional needs of students. Visit their websites for more information: Jefferson School, Natomas High School.

During National Unhoused Youth Awareness Month, we would like to highlight some of the intentional resources we offer families and students experiencing homelessness. In this “Conversations with NUSD” podcast, Shayla Allen (NUSD’s Social Worker Liaison), gives some examples of our efforts to remove barriers for our unhoused families and students, and our foster students. Join the conversation.

Members of Inderkum High School’s Sikh Honors and Service Society talk about their culture in this episode. Students Sharnjeet and Suhana, along with Mandeep Singh, of the Jakarta Movement; share the values they hold, the importance of gurdwaras, and helping out communities in need. 

Jennifer Rustin; an NUSD staff member, parent, and a member of the White River Apaches of Arizona; and her daughter Nevaeh; a student of Leroy Greene Academy celebrate their culture in this episode. Rustin shares the importance of sharing her culture with her family by making regular visits to Arizona, participating in cultural traditions such as a “Sunrise Dance,” which is a coming-of-age celebration for a young woman.

Happy Filipino American History Month! One of the ways we are celebrating is by sharing the Farinias family story. Watch or listen to the podcast. Joseph Farinias' grandpa served in the U.S. Army's 1st Filipino Infantry Regiment during World War II, and he shares that story and more with his two children, Mila and Joseph (Witter Ranch Elementary students).

Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month! Listen and/or watch our video podcast “The Stories We Weave” with The Bojorquez Family. In this podcast, Ivonne Bojorquez talks about her Mexican and Cuban heritage with two of her sons, Victor and Carlos (Leroy Greene Academy students).