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Volume 3 Issue 20
Principal's Message...
We are back and in the groove already. Great job to our Mavericks for jumping right back in and working hard. We are proud of you all. We have some updates below, for FSU, Home COVID testing, TUSD transfers, and the virtual book fair.
- Tustin Connect - Familial Support University “FSU”: Mark your calendars! Join other TC parents/caregivers to gain strategies and learn ways to support your student. TC staff will be hosting Zoom meetings throughout the year to offer resources and talk through concerns with families. The next workshop topic is “Social-Emotional Growth for your K-12 student” on Wednesday, January 19 on Zoom 6-7 pm. There will be breakout rooms for parents/caregivers at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/u21cR5KL3giUk3Vd9
- Shipment 2 of COVID At-Home Testing: We received our second shipment of home testing kits for students who believe they may have been exposed and/or are experiencing symptoms. If you are interested in getting the kit, please just stop by the office, and we will get one for you. Each box contains two tests and is easy to administer.
- TUSD Transfer Window: If you have not done so and are looking to request a transfer to a school other than your school of residence or TC, be sure you get your request in by January 28th. See below for additional details.
- Book Fair Starts Monday: Please check out our virtual Book Fair that starts on Monday. You don't have school, so why not check out the virtual book fair?
As always, if you have any questions, compliments, ideas, and/or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out at (714) 430-2052 ext. 52103 or efineberg@tustin.k12.ca.us.
Mr. Fineberg
PTA's Weekly Rundown!
Hello Maverick Families,
Here’s your PTA Roundup for week two of the new year!
The Scholastic Book Fair starts on Monday! This year’s book fair will be virtual as it was last year. It runs from January 17th to the 28th. Check it out, it’s really cool how the virtual space is just like being in a bookstore. You can’t go wrong with any of the books and it’s a great way to support Tustin Connect, as some of the proceeds come back directly to the school.
Our first PTA meeting of the year will be on January the 26th at 7 pm. Look for the link to be sent out the week before. We’ll be voting in a revised budget (thanks to your generosity), forming our nominating committee, and looking to the rest of the year’s happenings. We have changed the date from the 19th to the 26th.
Nomination Committee Needed If you are interested in shaping next year's PTA and are available for 2 meetings in the January/February timeframe, please contact either Ziggy McBride at Ziggy.McBride@gmail.com or Melissa Weiss at smw1196@sbcglobal.net . This committee is tasked with filling the slate of nominees for PTA board positions. Most already have interested and experienced candidates, so you’ll have plenty of talent to draw from.
Sharing your Talents We are encouraged by the increased support for PTA in the last few months. It’s been a blessing to meet more interested Tustin Connect families who have brought forward their support, ideas, and enthusiasm. That’s what PTA is! If you would like to know more about the possibilities and volunteer needs please reach out to Melissa Weiss at smw1196@sbcglobal.net, Linda Ly at linda@grandsoirees.com or Ziggy McBride at Ziggy.Mcbride@gmail.com.
In the last few months, PTA has supported the students in the High School with snacks during finals week. If you would like to help coordinate donations or donate snacks to the school please let us know by messaging the website at tustinconnectpta.com, or by contacting either Melissa Weiss ate smw1196@sbcglobal.net or Ziggy McBride at Ziggy.McBride@gmail.com.
Please check out the PTA website at tustinconnectpta.com for all pertinent PTA happenings and information.
Have a wonderful 3-day weekend,
Your PTA
TUSD COVID Home Testing Kits
Tests have arrived. We gave out over 80 this week and received our second shipment. The tests are available to students who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, is exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, or who have any reason to believe they may have COVID-19. Please stop by either the K-8 or High School TC office if you would like a test.
The state has developed flyers in English and Spanish that explain when to test your child and what steps to take if you get a positive test result. More information can be found on the CDPH website.
As a reminder:
- There is no statewide testing mandate for students returning to school. While some school districts in California may implement local testing policies, the state is not requiring a documented negative test to return to the classroom. The CDPH says its efforts are intended to increase access to tests for K-12 students.
- There is no cost to families. The tests have been purchased by the California Department of Public Health with funds provided by the federal government to support testing in schools.
TUSD is committed to continuing in-person instruction and has taken measures to ensure we are doing that safely. We know students and staff experience lower levels of exposure while at school and at work. Health and safety measures are working such as the use of outdoor and flexible learning spaces; enhanced ventilation systems; stand-alone air purification systems for classrooms, office spaces, and common areas; access to frequent handwashing; increased disinfecting practices and protocols, and wearing masks while indoors.
You can help by ensuring your child is vaccinated (and boosted if applicable); testing for COVID-19 if they have been exposed or are presenting symptoms, and keeping them home if they are ill. If your child has not yet been vaccinated, please schedule them as soon as possible.
Update on California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Guidelines
CDPH has issued new guidelines regarding quarantine periods for those who test positive for COVID-19 or who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19. Based on this update, The Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) has also issued an updated health order on isolation requirements. The quarantine period has been reduced from 10 days to 5 days when certain conditions are met. The quarantine can end after 5 days under the following conditions outlined by the OCHCA updated health order:
- At least 5 days have passed since the COVID-19 symptom onset; AND
- At least 24 hours have passed since the resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications; AND
- Other COVID-19 symptoms have improved (except the loss of taste and smell which may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation); AND
- A US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved/authorized COVID-19 test is negative on or after day 5 from COVID-19 symptom onset. COVID-19 antigen testing is the preferred test to be used for this repeat testing. PCR tests will commonly remain positive for many weeks after illness starts and are not recommended for use to assess appropriateness for ending isolation.
Individuals will need to continue wearing a well-fitting mask when around others for an additional 5 days. If individuals are unable to test or choose not to test, a 10-day quarantine period is required.
Guidance for Use of Face Masks
The CDPH has extended the requirement that masks be worn in all indoor public settings, irrespective of vaccine status, until February 15, 2022.
Elementary Information
Fifth Graders: In April, students will be selecting classes for the 2022-23 school year. As this will be their first year in middle school, they'll have a chance to learn more about the course options and electives available to them at their middle school. Whether they continue at TC or attend one of TUSDs comprehensive schools, it's an exciting time for 5th graders and we wanted to make sure that you knew it is coming in early April.
Additional Support Available to ALL Students: Independent Study is designed for students to work independently as you know from your Master Agreement meeting. Although our students have only 4 hours of synchronous live instruction per week, all of our teachers have office hours on the other days along with Enrichment on Fridays. We also have additional aide support available for small groups and/or 1:1 support. Your teachers are also available by appointment. Help is there. Please ask if you need it. :)
Middle School Information
Eighth Grade Orientation: In early March, high schools will be visiting the local TUSD middle schools to orientate students to the high school experience and related options. There will be a parent overview as well with a follow-up in early April to pick classes after having the time to consult with parents. If students will continue at TC for HS, Mr. Moreno will conduct meetings at the K-8 site. For students heading to one of our comprehensive sites, they will be going to Columbus Tustin to meet with their future high school counselors.
Traffic Impact for In-Person/Office: Hopefully, you didn't notice much of a change with the window for transfers now open through January 28th. As a reminder, you will likely see an increase in traffic outside of campus. There will not be any transfers activity in our classrooms, but pick up and drop off as well as the K-8 office staff that is shared with the Transfers Department may have longer delays. We appreciate your patience during the month of January. For more information on transfers, see the message above.
High School Information
Senior Pictures: Senior Pictures are Wednesday, February 16th from 8:45 am – 11:00 am in the MPR. No appt. is necessary. The photos will be senior-specific with a special backdrop. We, unfortunately, do not have a make-up day, so please do your best to attend. A cap and gown will be provided for the pictures.
Final Graduation Date and Time: We have confirmed the Class of 2022 graduation date for Tuesday, May 24th at 3 pm at the Tustin High School Stadium. As was the case last year, with the change in venue to the Stadium, we will not have to limit attendance. So mark your calendars seniors and your families.
Quarter 3 Schedule: The schedule for Quarter 3 is available. Please use this link to see more. With our website experiencing limited accessibility, here's a direct link to the schedule. Remember classes began on Tuesday, January 4th.
🎓 Familial Support University “FSU”:
Familial Support University “FSU”: You won't want to miss the second meeting of FSU. Join other TC families to gain strategies and learn ways to support your student at home. The upcoming workshop topic is “Social-Emotional Growth” CLICK HERE FOR FLYER on Wednesday, January 19 on Zoom 6-7 pm Sign up here: https://forms.gle/u21cR5KL3giUk3Vd9
TUSD Accepting Student Transfer Requests for 2022-23 School Year
The Tustin Unified School District is accepting transfer requests started Monday, Jan. 10, at 8 a.m. and runs through Friday, Jan. 28, at 3:00 p.m. from elementary, middle, and high school students for the 2022-23 school year.
Please note, if you are continuing at Tustin Connect or returning to your School of Residence, a transfer request is not needed. We will be sending out a survey in late February/early March where you will let us know your intentions. If you are planning to attend a school other than your assigned school, you will need to complete a transfer request.
Transfers can be made online via the TUSD website at www.tustin.k12.ca.us (select the “Transfers” tab to begin the process or at www.tusdtransfers.org. Anyone needing assistance completing a transfer request can contact the Transfers Department at (714) 730-7301, ext. 51317, or visit the TUSD Transfer Office at 14741 North B St., Tustin. The office is accessible through the Helen Estock Elementary parking lot on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. As a reminder, only students that are matriculating or wishing to attend a school other than their school of residence need to apply. If students are continuing at their current school, no application is necessary.
As in previous years, the Transfer Process can be completed entirely online. If you need in-person assistance, COVID-19 protocols will be in place at the TUSD Transfer Office. Individuals must wear face masks to protect themselves and others.
All TUSD schools will accept qualified transfer applications for the 2022-23 school year. Applications submitted during the transfer period will be processed according to a random and unbiased process based on space availability. Notification of acceptance or denial will be sent this spring.
Important Upcoming Dates - Please check our school Website Calendar for all the latest!
January 10-28: TUSD Transfer Window (visit transfers website for more information)
January 17: No School-Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 17-28: Tustin Connect Virtual Book Fair (see the flyer for more information)
January 19: Familial Support University Meeting 2: Social-Emotional Growth (RSVP Flyer) @6pm
January 26: PTA Meeting @7 pm
February 16: Senior Pictures in the TCHS MPR from 8:45 am – 11:00 am no appt. necessary (flyer)
Technology Questions/Needs - There's Help Available!
Our Mission
Email: efineberg@tustin.k12.ca.us
Website: www.tustinconnect.org
Location: (K-8) 14741 North B Street; (9-12) 1151 San Juan Street
Phone: (714) 430-2052
Twitter: @tustinconnect