Tustin Connect News
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Volume 2 Issue 36
Principal's Message...
Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week and I wanted to use this opportunity to show my appreciation for the incredible teachers and staff at Tustin Connect. We are so blessed to have such dedicated, passionate, hard-working, and talented teachers. As the rest of the country saw students struggle with failure rates the highest we've possibly ever seen, our students continued to succeed in the classroom. It has certainly not been all unicorns and rainbows, but it has been amazing to see the success of our students and that is in no small part thanks to the hard work and talents of our staff along with supportive families. So as we reflect on the upcoming week, I encourage you to reach out to your teachers with a virtual hug and let them know how much you appreciate them as they are an amazing group of professionals. I certainly feel blessed to be able to work with them. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out at (714) 430-2052 ext. 52103 or efineberg@tustin.k12.ca.us
Mr. Fineberg
Transition to Parent Square for Communications
Hello TUSD Families,
As we approach the end of the 20-21 school year, we want to bring some news regarding how we communicate out to families. Our communication system as we call "Aeries Communications" developed by SignalKit is evolving into a new more advanced system under the creators of ParentSquare. This transition will be occurring on Friday, April 30th. On April 30th, we will be sending out an invite email to confirm your accounts and contact information. This email will be coming from "donotreply@parentsquare.com". Confirming your account will provide access to the ParentSquare system (website and app) and give you additional resources to videos about the system. ParentSquare will still be accessible inside Aeries and be named "Aeries Communications" for users even without confirming your account. The ParentSquare App/website is just one of many ways to access ParentSquare. ParentSquare contains new advanced features like RSVP calendar sign-ups, integrated surveys, electronic signature collection, and many others that will allow us to communicate in ways not possible before. Please see the links below for an overview video and additional resources for parents on the transition to ParentSquare.
Overview video of the ParentSquare system before it goes live on Friday, April 30th.
TUSD Parent Resources/Support for ParentSquare and Aeries
Thank you for your time and cooperation as we continue to improve our systems. TUSD is proud to provide a system that will allow us to better communicate and collect feedback from our families.
2021 Tustin Student Arts Showcase: “Reflections of the Pandemic”
The Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts (TACFA) is thrilled to announce the annual Student Art Invitational as a Student Arts Showcase for 2021. This year’s special theme is “Reflections of the Pandemic.”
To support students during distance/hybrid learning and to respect social distancing guidelines, the application process will be virtual and students are responsible for submitting their own artwork. The theme was selected to give students an opportunity to express themselves through the arts.
The showcase is open to all middle and high school students who attend a secondary school in the Tustin Unified School District or reside within the boundaries of Tustin Unified. TACFA will present cash prizes as it has in the past, awarding up to $4,000 in total.
The expanded categories will include 2D Fine Art, Graphic Art, Photography, 3D Art, Ceramics, Textiles/Fashion, Original Music Composition, Performance Vocal Music, Performance Instrumental Music, Original Dance Choreography, Performance Dance and Film.
TACFA encourages all middle and high school students to enter and share their talent, passion and creativity. Students may only submit one entry.
All entries are due by Saturday, May 8, 2021.
Information about the Tustin Student Arts Showcase can be found on the TACFA website at https://www.tacfa.org/sai-information-entry/.
Please contact Betty Carle at tacfa.sai@gmail.com with any questions about the Student Arts Showcase.
Message from our PTA...
A Message from PTA
We love our teachers! Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week!
END of YEAR
Graduation and Promotion activities are quickly approaching and the excitement is building! If you would like to volunteer to set up or help in any way please reach out to either Linda Ly (linda@grandsoirees.com), Janice Park-Kim janicekimdds@hotmail.com for 8th grade, Tracy Grozdz for 12th gradeTracygwozdz@sbcglonal.net or myself for any volunteering at smw196@sbcglobal.net.
A huge thank you to Janice- Park-Kim, Mariel Franco-Ellis, Tracy Gwozdz, Linda Ly-Pang, Kerry Alpay, and our teachers for doing all you have done to make sure our graduates have a memorable end to this year!
Looking Ahead
PTA is filling positions for next year. Please consider giving your time and lending your talents to this wonderful school by volunteering for the following available positions.
President – Coordinates meetings and activities for PTA.
Treasurer – Maintains all financial records for review by general PTA. Tustin Connect PTA is small so we anticipate only a handful of transactions a year. This position requires only a few hours a month.
Parliamentarian – Attend meetings and ensures all parliamentarian rules outlined in our bylaws regarding votes, elections and rules are adhered to.
Spirit wear – Coordinate design and ordering of spirit-wear at the beginning of the year. This is a once-in-a-year commitment. All orders are placed online.
Garden – Help maintain gardens and coordinate any new plans with the school and volunteers.
We welcome parent volunteers to head up book clubs, family nights, art activities – just to name a few. If you have a vision, passion, or area of interest you think would benefit students and that PTA can facilitate please let us know! We can’t do it without you.
Thank you,
Melissa Weiss
714-719-3782
Elementary Information
Online Book Recommendations: We are looking for some suggestions and recommendations from students for books to add to our SORA online virtual library. Please use this link to add your recommendations!
State Testing: 3rd - 5th-grade families received a letter outlining the testing plan. It will come to your email we have on file for you. Here's a link to the post in case you did not receive it.
Middle School Information
Online Book Recommendations: We are looking for some suggestions and recommendations from students for books to add to our SORA online virtual library. Please use this link to add your recommendations!
In-Person Instruction: With classes returning to in-person district-wide, we are happy to announce some flexibility for the remainder of this school year if you'd like to return in person. please reach out to your teacher and Mr. Fineberg if you'd like to return and we will do our best to accommodate. For most students, it will not be a problem at all.
High School Information
College Application/Essay Prep Course: Attention all current and rising juniors. We have an amazing opportunity for you to get started on your college essay and applications under the tutelage of one of TUSD's awesome counselors. Through the course, you'll take a two-week deep dive into researching colleges, financial aid, and scholarships. You can start work on your applications and plan out due dates and deadlines. See the link for more information.
Reminder to Complete Course Requests for 21-22: The window for students to choose classes for next year is now open and it will remain open until May 21. Your advisory teachers and Mr. Moreno are here to help you decide which classes to take. There is a tutorial video to help you navigate how to pick your classes through your portal.
Tutorial Video to request classes
Please reach out to Mr. Moreno to set up an appointment for additional support if you would like at gmorenomana@tustin.k12.ca.us.
TPSF Teacher and Staff Appreciation Campaign
TPSF knows the important role that teachers and staff play in the lives of TUSD students, especially as they created engaging new virtual classrooms and many modified again for safe in-person learning on campus. To celebrate these efforts, parents and community members are invited to show their appreciation while giving back to your school in their honor. Gifts in any amount can be made at www.tpsf.net/honor-a-teacher and will go towards schoolwide and Innovative Grants supported by TPSF. All honorees will receive a digital certificate of recognition (see attachment) from the Foundation and include your personal message of gratitude.
Take a moment to reflect on the effort our teachers, principals, counselors, paraeducators, custodians, office staff, and so many others make to help our students, and join with TPSF in this digital campaign of thanks. National Teacher Appreciation Week is May 3-7 and May is the final month of the TUSD school year, what a great time to recognize teachers and staff for all they have done during this unprecedented year.
Thank you!
Andrea Dabrow
Director of Development
Tustin Public Schools Foundation
714-832-6299 / andrea@tpsf.net
150 El Camino Real, Suite 140
Tustin CA 92780
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TustinPublicSchoolsFoundation
Twitter: http://twitter.com/tpsf
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tustinpublicschoolsfoundation
Tax ID: 33-0353928
End of Year Activities for 5th, 8th, and 12th Grade Students and Families
In case you missed it, here is a reminder of the plans for end of the year for 5th, 8th and 12th graders.
5th Grade: Wednesday, May 26th is our 5th-grade promotion picnic. See flyer for details. It will be held on the field behind P11 at the B Street Campus. We are still looking for speakers for the event. Please see the flyer for additional details.
8th Grade: Wednesday, May 26th at 5:30 pm at our TC B Street Campus parking lot is the date and time. This year, Dr. Franklin and Board Member Stone will be joining us for the ceremony. Families will have access to their assigned spot in the parking lot beginning at 3 pm. It will be all yours to decorate for the ceremony and dinner if you choose. Please see the flyer for additional details for 8th-grade speeches and talents.
Seniors: Cap and Gown, swag bag pick up, and Ice Cream Man will be May 19th from 1-5 pm at the San Juan Street campus, Students will be able to pick up a bag, cap and gown, yard sign, and more as well as a special treat from the ICE CREAM MAN. In addition, we are also looking for students interested in giving a speech at graduation, performing the National Anthem, and/or sharing their talents at the ceremony. Please see the flyer for additional details and timelines.
Important Upcoming Dates
Teacher Appreciation Week: May 3-7
Senior Cap and Gown, Swag Bag, and More Pick Up: May 19th, 1-5 pm @ HS Campus
8th Grade Promotion: May 19th, 5:30 pm @ B Street Campus
HS Course Request Due: May 21st, 3:00 pm (don't delay in getting your requests in)
5th Grade Promotion Picnic: May 26th @ 10:30 am B Street Campus Field
End of Year Virtual Event: May 26th @5:30 pm
Senior Graduation: May 27th, 12 noon @ THS Stadium
No Cost COVID Testing
Tustin USD is excited to announce the next two opportunities for our no-cost COVID testing on a voluntary basis for all students. TUSD has partnered with LivingFit Nation to provide this opportunity on April 28 at Estock Elementary and May 5 at Beckman High School.
Here are the details:
- No cost
- May 5 at Beckman High from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
- The linked May 5 flyer has links with information on how to register and schedule your time
- Walk-ins will only be accepted after 3:00
- On your scheduled day, park and look for the pop-up tents set up in the parking lot
- Lab results are provided within 48 hours
- Students do not need to quarantine after voluntary testing
The TUSD Board of Education is committed to student and staff safety and is offering no-cost testing to help prevent the spread of the virus. TUSD strongly encourages you to take advantage of this opportunity.
Counselor Corner
Social-Emotional Learning at Home Resource
Topic: Ways to Help Kids Cope with Change
Mental Health Newsletter
Below is an outstanding resource for families to access with a wealth of resources that is created by our Mental Health Professional team at the district level.
Tustin Public School Foundation(TPSF) - Tustin Summer Academy
Guidelines for Applying to Community College Classes and IVC's Promise Program
As we return from Spring Break and head into the summer months, it is also a time when many of our students are thinking of enrolling in community college courses. If you are thinking of doing so, please take a moment to review the linked document. It provides an overview of the enrollment process and related websites as well. It's super helpful and a great place to start. If you're considering taking a community college course, please reach out to Mr. Moreno and/or your advisory teacher. We can help you not only pick the best courses for your graduation plan but also help you navigate the process.
If you have not heard, IVC offers a Promise Program that provides two years of free tuition and other fees. The deadline to apply has been extended to April 16, 2021. Prospective IVC students must complete the steps to becoming an IVC student and submit a FAFSA or California Dream Act application before that deadline in order to be considered for the Irvine Valley Promise Program. For more information or to learn about the Promise Program please visit www.ivc.edu/promise or email ivcpromise@ivc.edu.
Grade 6-12: 24/7 Virtual Tutoring for all Tustin Connect Students
That's right, all TC 6-12 students have access to this terrific resource. Take a moment to check it out! It's terrific.
Paper/Grade Slam: Don't forget to use this 24/7 free tutoring service! You can even use it for college essay review and SAT and ACT prep. Here are links to a few resources.
Video Tutorials
Getting Started on Paper (8:36)
How Teachers Use Paper (10:48)
Introduccion a Paper (10:44)
Paper for Parents (7:05)
Paper para Padres (14:23)
Online Learning Guide for Students - PDF
Upcoming Parent Nights the second Tuesday in English and every second Thursday in Spanish.
Tustin Parent Night (English) - Second Tuesday every month. Register using the following link: https://pages.paper.co/webinars-for-parents-and-guardians
Tustin Parent Night (Spanish) - Second Thursday every month. Register using the following link: https://pages.paper.co/es-us/presentaciones-para-padres-o-representantes
K-12 Digital Books Resource Spotlight
Tustin Unified has a growing collection of over 750 read-along titles available in Sora.
Read-alongs are a great way for students to experience picture books, beginning readers, and easy non-fiction in an eBook format with professionally recorded narration that plays while they read. Read-along features include:
Narration that you can start and stop
Text highlighting so the reader can follow along
Automatic page-turning and speed control
You can find read-alongs by logging into Sora through Clever, select Explore and look for the featured Fiction and Non-Fiction Read-Along collections!
Questions? Visit the TUSD Library Service eBooks & Audiobooks webpage OR contact your site library staff.
HYBRID SCHEDULES:
TUSD's School Opening & Safety Plan
The health, safety, and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority as they return to school. When the new school year begins, the on-campus school will look much different than previous years due to new health and safety measures.
Tustin Unified has created a School Opening and Safety Plan that addresses how schools will meet the needs of students in the coming school year. The plan to reopen schools is based on current guidance from public health officials, state agencies, as well as your valuable input from the recent parent survey, and will be updated as the situation evolves. As a result, TUSD has put together two options that will address social-distancing requirements to keep TUSD students and staff safe while also supporting student learning.
For the 2020-21 academic year, Tustin Unified will provide families a choice of two instructional options, including the hybrid model – a blend of in-person and remote learning, and Tustin Connect (K-12) – 100% online virtual school with optional in-person instruction.
The TUSD School Opening and Safety Plan (English linked, Spanish below) covers the many procedures and protocols that are being put in place for a successful and safe reopening. The plan can also be found on the TUSD website at https://www.tustin.k12.ca.us.
PLAN DE SEGURIDAD Y APERTURA DE ESCUELAS PARA EL AÑO ESCOLAR 2020-21
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