The Natomas Buzz

Kudos: Natomas All-Conference Picks

2012-05-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

STELTENKAMP

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Athletes from Inderkum took top spots in All-Conference Selections for track and field, according to school officials.

FLOURNOY

Tigers Bernard Jones and Mariah Burke were named MVPs. All-Conference selections from Natomas-area schools also included:

Charlie Flournoy (Natomas High)
Felix Steltenkamp (Natomas High)
Sarah Mills (Inderkum)
Whitney Erby (Inderkum)
Anthina McCaskel (Inderkum)

In tennis, Ricky Ratliff of Natomas High and Tim Godejohann and Finn Maloney, from Inderkum, were selected as members of the TCC All-Star Boys Tennis Team.

Kudos, to all the hard-working athletes!

RATLIFF

Heron School Recognized At Event

2012-05-26T10:30:00.000-07:00

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Heron School of Natomas was honored Thursday, May 24 by the California Department of Education for being a high performing school.

The event, hosted by the Sacramento County Office Of Education, recognized the 2012 Distinguished Elementary Schools, the 2012 Title I Academic Achievement Award Schools , and the 2011 National Blue Ribbon Schools.

SUPERINTENDENT DAVE GORDON

The Northern California Region School Recognition Ceremony was held at the Woodlake Hotel in Sacramento. During the event, 55 schools from 18 counties were presented with recognition plaques and flags by State Superintendent of Schools Tom Torlakson.

Opening the event was a flag ceremony presented by Venturing Crew 118 of Boy Scouts of America, and musical entertainment was provided by students from Collis P. Huntington Elementary School in Sacramento City Unified School District. Craig Cheslog, Principal Advisor to the State Superintendent of Schools, served as master of ceremonies.

The Natomas Unified School District's Heron K-8 School was among eight schools honored from Sacramento County.

"You exemplify school leadership and best practices. You have set a standard for excellence," said Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon "Your success brings honor to high achieving students, and gives hope to struggling students and their families."

Sacramento County schools also recognized at the event included: Cosumnes River Elementary, John Ehrhardt Elementary, Stone Lake Elementary in the Elk Grove Unified School Distric; Isleton Elementary in the River Delta Joint Unified School District; Sol Aureus College Preparatory in the Sacramento City Unified School District; Earl LeGette Elementary and Trajan Elementary in the San Juan Unified School District.

Photos Courtesy Sacramento County Office of Education

Sharing The Bard With Natomas Students

2012-05-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

BY TRACY CHATTERS
THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

STUDENTS "THROWING" INSULTS

In a 7th grade classroom at Natomas Charter School’s Performing and Fine Arts Academy, students hurl insults at each other with passion and enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, a teacher stands by prodding the teens to be meaner to each other.

In classrooms elsewhere, students may earn detention for being so harsh. But in 7th grade Language Arts, teacher Elise Wallace encourages students to use their best Shakespearean insults to demonstrate an understanding of metaphor and to fully experience the Bard’s gift of language.

Wallace is one of a select group of teachers participating in the Mondavi Arts Globe Theatre Academy. She is among 12 middle and high school teachers from the region studying Shakespeare and theater for several months.

“I cannot wait for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. To bring back the experience for my students, to teach them Shakespeare as it was intended, is truly magical.”

The teachers participate in workshops to learn classroom strategies, creative ways to use Shakespeare in the classroom and how to teach students to dissect the language of his plays.

“It's all about embracing the idea that Shakespeare's plays were meant to be seen, heard and experienced physically not read as words on a page,” Wallace said.

Wallace and colleague teachers are attending a series of workshops through University of California, Davis and the Los Rios Community College District. The cornerstone of the project is a two-week summer residency at the Globe Theatre in London. To prepare for the trip, professionals from the Globe Theatre will fly in to train the teachers.

In fall, when Wallace returns from the Globe, she and her students are scheduled to attend festival at the Mondavi Center to showcase their talents.

“I have never been to the Globe but when I launched my Shakespeare unit this year I took my kids to the Globe via Google Earth," said Wallace. "They could not believe it was still there!”

RUNNING FOR SHAKESPEARE'S LANGUAGE

At a recent Shakespeare workshop, an instructor reads an excerpt from Romeo and Juliet and students react to the emphasized words by running to the "good" wall or the "bad" wall. By reacting physically to the positive and negative associations with individual words, students are able to understand how confused Juliet was in this speech (delivered after she learns that Romeo killed her cousin Tybalt).

"Did ever a dragon keep so fair a cave?/ Beautiful tyrant! fiend angelical!..." (III.ii.74-75).

Natomas High Hires New Football Coach

2012-05-25T14:49:00.004-07:00

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Natomas High School has hired Jeff Remington as its new football coach.

Remington comes to Natomas High with an impressive prep and college record as a coach.

Remington previously coached at Gunn High School in Palo Alto, where he took over a team which had not had a winning football season for 26 years. During his four years as head coach at Gunn High School, the team did not have a losing season and advanced to the Central Coast Section playoffs for the first time in the school’s 37-year history.

Remington left Gunn to become an assistant football coach at the University of Minnesota, Morris campus, where he was the offensive line coach and strength and conditioning coordinator. In 2003, he returned to the Bay Area as offensive line Assistant Head Coach at Foothill Community College in Los Altos. For three years the team was ranked in the top 20 nationally - and two years in the top five - for junior colleges.

In 2007, Remington moved on to take a coaching position at Sacramento State where started as an offensive line coach, and became the Offensive Coordinator/Running Game. He is finishing his Master’s Degree and will also be teaching special education at Natomas High.

Where In Natomas?

2012-05-24T21:35:00.001-07:00

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Post your guesses under comments. Have a photo you'd like to submit for "Where In Natomas?" - send it to editor@natomasbuzz.com.

Storified: Nighthawk Graduation '12

2012-05-24T21:23:00.000-07:00

Seen In Natomas: Chamber Mixer

2012-05-24T21:06:00.001-07:00

PHOTOS BY BRANDY TUZON BOYD
THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

The Natomas Rose Garden was the stage for the Natomas Chamber of Commerce's monthly evening business mixer, this evening May 24.

The rose garden - maintained by a crew of dedicated volunteers - is located at 2921 Truxel Road, behind the South Natomas Library and adjacent to the Fort Natomas playground.

For more information about this Natomas jewel, visit the rose garden's website here.

Natomas High Receives 6-Year WASC Accreditation

2012-05-24T14:42:00.000-07:00

BY SAVNEET TAKHAR, NHS INTERN
THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Natomas High School has received a six-year accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

WASC representatives conducted a four-day, in-depth study of the Natomas campus in March. Results of this visit and news of the six-year accreditation were released to school officials last week.

“When people are shopping for schools they want to know that this school is dedicated to all student success," Principal John Eick said. "A six-year accreditation is an authentication to our strong and clear plans for the future of Natomas."

According to the report, “Natomas’ self-study and the visiting committee's report provided compelling evidence that Natomas High is substantially accomplishing its stated purposes and functions identified.”

The report also reads “the school is meeting an acceptable level of quality in accordance with the WASC criteria adopted by the Accrediting Commission.”

"This accreditation will validate our hard work and the integrity of our school’s programs and student transcripts," said Eick.

WASC evaluation criteria are research-based guidelines of systemic school improvement that address accreditation's central tenet: a school operates with a clear understanding of its purpose.

The criteria were developed with the assistance of numerous practicing educational leaders and theorists. The criteria help differentiate between effective and ineffective schools.

Schools can be accredited for one year, three years or six years.

“Considering that a six-year WASC accreditation is the highest accreditation, this certification is a testimony to the hard work of the students, staff, and the communal stakeholders, despite the hard times," said Patrick Crean, English Department chair at Natomas High. "It brings to Natomas the title of a trustworthy institution of learning.”

PHOTOS: STAFFORD KING WIESE ARCHITECTS

Opinion: End Tobacco Sales Near Natomas Schools

2012-05-24T14:10:00.000-07:00

BY RON DWYER-VOSS
SPECIAL TO THE NATOMAS BUZZ

The State of California spends nearly $9 BILLION a year on tobacco-related medical costs (1) and 90% of smokers who generate these costs, began smoking in their teens (1). In fact, for the past 30 years RJ Reynolds has identified youth as the key to sustaining the tobacco industry.

In an internal memo titled “The Importance of Younger Adults,” RJ Reynolds outlined the need to retain young smokers: “Younger adults are the only source of replacement smokers.” (3)

The strategy to continue to create addiction to cigarettes includes making and marketing sweet flavored cigarettes, marketing in publications popular with teens and prioritizing sales near schools. (4)

In Sacramento, this strategy is unobstructed because we have no local ordinance restricting tobacco sales near schools.

For our children, our community, our health care system and our state budget, this is terrible.

On June 19, the Sacramento City Council will consider a proposal to restrict sales of tobacco near schools. If the council does the right thing, stores will not be permitted to sell tobacco within 1,000 feet of schools unless they get a special permit obtained through a public process.

Currently, one in four tobacco sellers in Sacramento operate within 1,000 feet of a school, increasing marketing exposure to children and teens.

A staggering seven of 12 Natomas Unified School District campuses are located within 1,000 feet of tobacco retailers, while Westlake and NP3 charter schools are 1,000 feet from Walgreens, a heavy seller of sweet cigarettes and “swishers.”

In the Northgate-Gardenland area, all four Twin Rivers Unified School District campuses are within 1,000 feet of tobacco sellers. (5)

For Big Tobacco, this is great. For our children, our community, our health care system and our state budget, this is terrible.

Encourage our city council members to stand up for our children and stand against the dirty marketing strategies of Big Tobacco.

Call Natomas Councilmember Angelique Ashby at (916) 808-7001 and Councilmember Steve Cohn at (916) 808-7003 and urge them to support the proposed 1,000-foot tobacco-free buffer around our schools at the June 19 Sacramento City Council meeting. Or e-mail them at aashby@cityofsacramento.org and scohn@cityofsacramento.org.

Ron Dwyer-Voss is a 16-year Natomas resident, parent and former Natomas Unified School District school board member (2000-2008).

Sources:
1. CDC; TobaccoFreeCA
2. CDC
3. http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/tid/eyn18c00/pdf; Washington Post
4. CounterTobacco; National Institute of Health; Washington Post
5. City of Sacramento Community Development Department

Free Summer Meals In Natomas

2012-05-24T11:56:00.000-07:00

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

This summer, the Twin Rivers USD Nutrition Services Department will be offering free meals to all children 18 years and younger at 26 locations throughout the district.

In Natomas, lunch will be served:

11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Garden Valley Elementary,3601 Larchwood Drive
1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The GreenHouse Center, 2201 Northview Drive

Dominos Smart Slice Pizza will be served every Monday and Wednesday starting June 11. Smart Slice Pizza has the same taste as Dominos traditional pizza but with whole grain crust, reduced sodium and light cheese.

Both sites will be closed July 4, 5 and 6.

No meal application is required to participate in the free-meal program.

Host Families Sought For Students

2012-05-23T21:32:00.000-07:00

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

The Council for International Education Exchange seeks host families in Natomas for the 2012-13 school year.

For more than 63 years, the Council for International Education Exchange has globalized communities and schools by placing more than 1,400 students, from more than 47 different countries, with American host families.

"We are hoping to place students here again in the 2012-13 school year and are starting our search for host families," said Heidi Lattuada, local CIEE coordinator.

Eleven international students from six different countries attended Natomas Pacific Pathways High School in 2011-12.

"Have you ever considered hosting an international student? Are you interested in learning more?" said Lattuada. "We hope you will consider opening your heart and your home to an international student."

For more information visit http://www.ciee.org/highschool or contact Lattuada at (916) 519-6392 or by email at lattuadafamily@comcast.net.

Storified: Inderkum Graduation '12

2012-05-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

Westlake Charter Awarded $575K Grant

2012-05-23T18:37:00.003-07:00

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Westlake Charter Middle School has been awarded a $575,000 federal grant administered by the California Department of Education.

The school was notified last week of the Public Charter School Grant Program award. It was one of 40 schools which applied for the competitive grant in October 2011.

The grant will be used to help implement a curriculum focused on math and science - using technology - offered to Westlake middle school students, school officials said in a written statement. Students at the middle school have the use of their own iPad for textbooks, apps, writing and analytical tools.

In addition to funding technology for the school, grant monies will be used to pay for state-of-the-art science equipment as well as science curriculum. The grant is expected to fund curriculum and tools for special needs students, art, foreign language, physical education equipment, training and books.

This grant was written by Westlake Charter Middle School parents, teachers and administrators. The school expects the first $325,000 installment by mid-July and the $250,000 balance in July 2013.

Westlake Charter Middle School is a 6-8 middle school located within the Natomas Unified School District boundaries.

Student On The Street: Where Will You Be?

2012-05-23T15:50:00.000-07:00

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

We asked seniors graduating from Natomas-area high schools: "Where do you think you'll be in five years and what will you be doing?"

Marco Rosales, 17, NP3 graduate

attending UC Davis in fall

"In five years, I want to be at UC Davis working on physics research."

Javairia Rizwan, 17, NP3 graduate

attending Sacramento City College in fall

"Five years from now, I intend to be finishing my undergrad at UC Davis with a bachelor's degree in biology or pre-dentistry. I want to be getting ready for dental school as well."

Hang Nga Tran, 18, Natomas High graduate

attending UC Irvine in fall

“My future goals encompass me graduating college and continuing my education in medical school. I also hope to start a business with my older sister. And, as I begin to settle down, I will take care of my aging parents who work endlessly to support me— they are getting old.”

Natalie Saldana, 18, Natomas High graduate

attending UC Santa Barbara in fall

“I want to be happy, meet people, try everything, travel, help others, change lives, and stay true to myself."

Brad Hall, 17, Inderkum High School graduate

attending CSU East Bay in fall

"I see myself working on my masters for psychology at San Diego State University and working in some kind of internship."

Ian Freas, 17, Inderkum High graduate
attending American River College in fall

"I see myself marching for a world class drum corps while going to Sac State getting my major in musical performance."

-REPORTED BY LEEANNE CARTER, SAVNEET TAKHAR & SUKHMAN REKHI

Life Jacket Swap Set For Natomas

2012-05-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

The Sacramento Drowning Accident Rescue Team will be working with the Department of Boating and Waterways to swap out old or outgrown life jackets 4-6 p.m. this Friday, May 25 at Kohl's in Natomas.

The 13th annual life jacket trade-in gives parents the opportunity for life jackets to be inspected by professionals.

If a life jacket is found to be outgrown or unserviceable, a new, properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is given in exchange (while supplies last).

Community partners include CBS Radio, Drowning Accident Rescue Team, Radio Disney, Sacramento Safe Kids Coalition, Solano County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, UC Davis Regents, and the U.S. Power Squadrons.

This event is being conducted in connection with National Safe Boating Week, May 19-25, which aims to spread the message about life jacket wear and other safe boating practices.Kohl's is located at 4700 Natomas Blvd.

For info on additional Sacramento-area trade-in locations, click here.

Seen In Natomas: Farmers Insurance Ribbon Cutting

2012-05-17T13:35:00.000-07:00

PHOTOS BY LARRY RODDA

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

The Natomas Chamber of Commerce last week celebrated the Farmers Insurance new district office on Duckhorn Drive with a ribbon-cutting event which included a live band, BBQ, office tours, raffle and vendor booths.

Inderkum, Natomas Girls Top TCC Standings

2012-05-17T09:57:00.002-07:00

HAILEY MAXWELL AND DANIELL McCARTHY/PHOTO BY LOUIS OVERTON

BY CHRIS SHANNON
THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Athletes from Inderkum and Natomas High took top spots in the Tri-County All-Conference Selections for girls soccer, softball, and baseball, it was announced Wednesday, by TCC Commissioner Ray Gutierrez.

In soccer, Cheyenne Maxwell of Inderkum shared the title of MVP with Kayla Treanor of Yuba City. Inderkum and Natomas players accounted for nearly half the All-Conference spots for soccer:

STACY LARSON

Angelina Gonzales (Natomas)
Danielle McCarthy (Inderkum)
Hailey Maxwell (Inderkum)
Makayla Ruvalcaba (Inderkum)
Melissa Nicorici (Inderkum)
Natalie Saldana (Natomas)
Spenser Bradley (Inderkum)
Stacy Larson (Natomas)
Victoria Guttierrez (Natomas)

NATALIE SALDANA

Inderkum softball also took home top honors in softball with Leona Lafaele sharing the title of MVP with Brittanie Akey from Pioneer and Logan Moreland from Woodland. All-Conference selections from Natomas schools for softball also included:

TINOCO

Alexandria Tinoco (Natomas)
Gabby Bogear (Inderkum)
Tatyana Schulz (Inderkum)

In baseball, Natomas High's Joe Grinstain was selected All-Conference.

Kudos, to players from both high schools!

JOE GRINSTAIN

Eye On Natomas

2012-05-16T15:46:00.001-07:00

PHOTO BY THOMAS HAINES

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

This lovely spring bloom was photographed at the Harbor Oaks Apartment complex in Natomas.

Inderkum Art On Display At Cal Lottery

2012-05-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

BY CHRIS SHANNON
THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

The California Lottery hosted a reception showcasing artwork created by Inderkum High School students yesterday, May 10.

The artwork is currently on display at the California Lottery headquarters, located at 700 N. 10th Street, in downtown Sacramento.

The Inderkum student exhibit is part of the California Lottery’s “Imagination in Education” art display program developed to showcase award-winning artwork created by California students.

The Lottery partners with California schools to identify student artwork to be exhibited throughout the year. Students who are chosen, receive certificates and the chance to showcase their artwork at the Lottery headquarters.

The Inderkum exhibit is the program's first and features works by 40 students.

Kudos: Devin DeGeyter Stars In "13"

2012-05-10T13:54:00.001-07:00

PHOTO COURTESY AMY SHUMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Natomas resident Devin DeGeyter currently stars as the character Archie in Woodland Opera House's production of "13."

This musical marks the first time the Woodland Opera House has produced a mainstage show with an entire cast of actors under the age of 18. The show is directed by Amy Shuman, choreographed by Stephen Hatcher, and music directed by James Glica-Hernandez.

This musical looks at a young man named Evan who was suddenly moved by his mother from New York City to Appleton, Indiana. Archie is one of Evan's friends in Indiana.

"13" closes this weekend. Click here for ticket information.

DeGeyter is a student at the Natomas Charter School Performing and Fine Arts Academy and also a private singing student at Sacramento Vocal Music, also located in Natomas.

DeGeyter recently performed in Natomas Charter School's "Music Man" production.

On Stage In Natomas: TheatreFest '12

2012-05-10T13:34:00.001-07:00

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

The Natomas Charter School’s Drama Department is set to present its latest work: TheatreFest 2012.

TheatreFest 2012 is an all-day, student-produced theatre festival featuring the work of Natomas Charter School’s acting and directing students. The festival includes 17 short productions, each piece no more than 15 minutes long, broken into four distinct acts.

The event will be held 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on May 19 at the Blackbox Theatre, 4600 Blackrock Dr. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

For more information, please contact Matthew Taul at (916) 254-8477.

Heard In Natomas: Sound Of Music

2012-05-10T12:44:00.000-07:00

ALL-DISTRICT BAND PERFORMS AT INDERKUM

HERON STUDENT PLAYS TAMBORINE

HERON SCHOOL BAND WARMS UP

NATOMAS MIDDLE PERFORMS SONG WRITTEN FOR STUDENT WHO DIED EARLIER IN THE YEAR

COURTESY PHOTOS

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Natomas Unified School District students took the stage this week with an all-district music night held Tuesday at Inderkum High School (photos above) and annual spring concert Wednesday at Natomas High School (photos below).

Student bands from Heron, Natomas Middle, Natomas High, and Inderkum High schools participated in the annual all-district concert.

MATT CORBETT, JESSICA PATTERSON, MARISSA PACHECO & ANTHONY MERCADO

EDGAR GONZALEZ

GINO SORCI, MARISSA PACHECO, LUCIA ROJAS

NUSD SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER BRIAN LEVINGSTON

MUSIC DIRECTOR MIKE SETO, NATANYA MARDIS & MAKENZY DeGRAW

JOHN MARCELINO, VERONICA HOLQUIN, KAMORIE SMITH & JIN XIN CHEN

Natomas Soccer Club Signups Start

2012-05-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

The Natomas Soccer Club offers recreational play for youths age 4 to 18.

Practices will begin in the month of August and regular season games begin Sept. 8.

2012 registration started May 1. In-person signups will be held 1 p.m. May 19 at American Lakes School; coaches and volunteers needed.

Visit http://www.natomassoccerclub.org/ for more info.

Art Show Today At NP3 Campus

2012-05-10T10:35:00.000-07:00

BY SUKHMAN REKHI, NP3 INTERN
THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Update: The second bi-annual art exhibit at Natomas Pacific Pathways High School proved to be a success.

More than five dozen attendees turned out to support the creative works of this semester’s Art 1 students. The graphite compositions were a favorite and impressed family and friends of all the participants.

“The students blew away my expectations, creating amazing, unique works of art," said Heather Higgins, the school's visual and performing art teacher. "All the visitors raved about their talent."

-

The spring term art classes at Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep High School will host a second bi-annual Art Exhibition 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. today, May 10.

All art pieces will be showcased in the hallways of the front office at the NP3 campus.

This semester, the enrolled Art 1 students have studied several artists, including Monet, Pablo Picasso and Leonardo da Vinci. Students have created their compositions using charcoal and graphite, paint, and other mediums.

“It would be a delight for the Natomas Community to come and appreciate the amazing talent that the NP3 High School Students have had this term,” says Heather Higgins, NP3’s art teacher.

Refreshments by the French Club will also be available to purchase.

Where In Natomas?

2012-05-08T13:00:00.001-07:00

PHOTO BY THOMAS HAINES

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz