Community Cornerstone from Supt. Dr. Tracy Smith - April 16, 2026

Posted Date: 04/16/26 (11:00 AM)

Community Cornerstone

from Supt. Dr. Tracy Smith

April 16, 2026

Dear NUSD Families and Community,

Welcome to the season of celebration and recognition!

Across our schools, there is so much to celebrate as we mark the culmination of a year filled with hard work, growth, and achievement. Campuses are hopping with Open House events, final performances, and the excitement of wrapping up spring sports seasons. At the same time, students are engaged in state and national assessments, and we look forward to honoring their many accomplishments through upcoming awards and celebrations.

Thank you to our students, staff, and families for your continued dedication, partnership, and support—it is truly what makes our school community so special.

We are also looking forward to several exciting events in the weeks ahead:

April 22: Novato Inspirational Student Achievement Award Ceremony
April 29: Reclassification Ceremony - Recognition of students reclassifying as Proficient in English
May 9: Tour of Novato (more information below)

Congratulations to all,

Dr. Tracy Smith

Superintendent

A bright blue background with yellow shooting stars and the text 'Congratulations!'

A brass handbell with a wooden handle, isolated on a white background.

Congratulations NUSD Golden Bell Recipients!

Congratulations to our Novato Unified School District Golden Bell Recipients!

Tehniat Cheema - Marin County Educator of the Year

School Fuel - Community Partner

Classified Staff

Damaris Caro - Sinaloa Middle School

Ellen Christensen-Denton - District Office

Rosalba (Rosi) Rojas De Lara - Rancho Elementary School

Lisa Ferrigno - Novato High School

Libby Khiev - Loma Verde Elementary School

Yonathan Tepe Mazariegos - Pleasant Valley Elementary School

Laila Miri - San Jose Middle School

Roxana Orellana - Lynwood Elementary School

Catherine Pace - Hamilton TK-8 School

Monica Prada - Lu Sutton Elementary School

Marciela Rangel - Hill Education Center

Katie Stafford - San Marin High School

Jennifer Tinsler - Olive Elementary School

Sara Torres - San Ramon Elementary School

Certificated Staff

Edith Ainsworth - San Ramon Elementary School

Susannah Bassett - Novato Early Intervention

Jenny Burt - Loma Verde Elementary School

Debbie Hagan - Novato High School

Liz Lloyd - San Marin High School

Gabby Mastro - San Jose Middle School

Nancy O'Neill - Rancho Elementary School

Emma Parks - Lu Sutton Elementary School

Michelle Robertson - Pleasant Valley Elementary School

Samantha Robles - Lynwood Elementary School

Tom Schmidt - Sinaloa Middle School

Regan Stailey - Olive Elementary School

Melissa Steele - Hamilton TK-8 School

They will be celebrated at the Marin County Office of Education's Annual Golden Bell Ceremony on May 21, 2026, 4:30-6 pm at Dominican University, Angelico Hall.

Illustration for 'Tour of Novato' event on May 9, 2026, featuring a cyclist, walker, and hiker against a stylized landscape.

School Fuel - Tour of Novato - May 9!

School Fuel’s Tour of Novato is coming up on May 9! This is a fun and meaningful way to support our schools. Participants can walk, run, or ride while raising funds for the programs that matter most. Best of all, 100% of the money raised goes directly to your designated NUSD school or club, making a real impact for students across our district.

Classic Ride - Family Ride - Downtown Walk - Community Fair - Student Presentations

Thank you to our generous supporters:

Bank of Marin

Matt & Jeff's Car Wash and Retail Center

Marin Community Foundation

Redwood Credit Union

Upcoming Board Meeting, April 21, 2026

Board meeting starts at 6:00 pm. You can watch from home on our NUSD YouTube channel.

The Board packet will be published on Friday, April 17, 2026, and can be found on the GAMUT website.

April Holidays and Observances

List of April observances and holidays with a pink and yellow backgrouns