Tustin Connect News
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Volume 2 Issue 20
Principal's Message...
Wow! The first half of the 2020-2021 school year is in the books. I can not say that I'm sad to see 2020 go. Although 2020 has come with many challenges, I am so appreciative for so much. Tustin Connect continues to thrive and we are bigger and better than ever. We've been able to add some amazing staff members to the Tustin Connect family and continue to do so as we will be adding an elementary teacher when we return to accommodate the increased enrollment. Applications closed today, so the goal is to interview over the break and have the new teacher in place when we return. The only grade level that we expect to see impacted by the changes will be 1st grade. More information to come. Have a wonderful break filled with family, health, and love.
We are so appreciative of the continued support from our PTA and families. It is what makes Tustin Connect such a special place. 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
2020 TC Virtual Winterfest-HUGE Success
Message from our PTA
Hello Tustin Connect Families,
As a result of AmazonSmile Program activity between July 1 and September 30, 2020 we have received a donation of $35.96. Our BIG THANKS go out to you, Tustin Connect PTA supporters who shop at AmazonSmile. Amazon donates 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. If you shop at Amazon then please shop using AmazonSmile (https://smile.amazon.com/) as our school PTA will then receive 0.5% of your eligible purchases. Here are 2 ways to add Tustin Connect PTA to your AmazonSmile account:
- You can add Tustin Connect by going on the customer link and select Tustin Connect PTA as the charity of choice.
- Skip the above process and use our Tustin Connect PTA unique charity link https://smile.amazon.com/ch/90-1506339
In addition, the Tustin Connect PTA would like to remind all of our families that if you haven’t already registered your Ralph’s club now is a great time to do so.
Please visit https://www.ralphs.com and register your Ralphs Club Card before your holiday shopping. Once logged into your Ralphs account you can search for TUSTIN CONNECT PTA either by name or PD524 and then click Enroll. New users will need to create an account that requires some basic information, a valid email address, and a rewards card.
Ralphs donates annually to participating organizations based on your percentage of spending as it relates to the total spending associated with all participating Ralphs Community Contribution Program organizations.
We thank you for your continued support in our PTA and our schools!
Elementary Information
Staff Additions: As mentioned in the principal message above, we will be adding an additional teacher to the Elementary Staff over break or when we return to accommodate the increased enrollment and maintain our class sizes. We are currently working hard to minimize any disruption to our students and their teachers. At this time, it appears the only students that will be impacted will be in 1st grade. We will be working through those details and will be reaching out once we return with details as to the reorganization. Please know we will do everything we can to avoid any change of teachers and that the new teacher will be amazing! We have some outstanding applicants!
Middle School Information
Math Update: When we return from break, you will find that we are increasing the amount of time we are asking students to spend on Freckle. Students will be required to do 30 minutes a day 3-5 times a week. Freckle is an adaptive program that links with our assessments and allows us to provide targeted practice, remediation, and/or acceleration to your students. It's an invaluable resource and one of our primary resources to prevent learning loss in math.
High School Information
Finance Class Opportunity: Over break, one of TUSD's awesome teachers is offering a finance class for all TUSD high school students. Please check out the flyer below with ways to register and more details on topics like how to invest in the stock market, credit cards vs debit cards and so much more. It's a great opportunity.
3rd Quarter Schedule: Please see the 3rd quarter class schedules for dates and times of your classes next quarter.
Message for Parents and Guardians from Superintendent Franklin
During Winter Recess, Stay Safe and Protect Others by Following Public Health Guidance
From Gregory A. Franklin, Ed.D., Superintendent
Winter break is fast approaching and, as a reminder to parents and students, all schools in the Tustin Unified School District will be closed Monday, December 21, through Friday, January 1. Additionally, Monday, January 4, is a teacher workday (no students). School will resume on Tuesday, January 5.
Over the holidays, please stay safe and protect others by following all public health guidance. We are doing everything we can to continue in-person instruction and we need everyone to do their part to follow COVID-19 health and safety protocols. As a result of the District’s protocols, there has been almost no spread of the virus within the schools and work locations.
From the beginning of the pandemic, Tustin Unified has taken a thoughtful, measured approach to maintaining its instructional programs while protecting students and staff. The District has followed all guidance from the California Department of Public Health and Orange County Health Care Agency.
Tustin Unified is continuously monitoring conditions and assessing its plans during the pandemic and, at this time, will continue distance learning and the hybrid schedule after the winter recess. The District will also continue to keep the staff and parents informed as new information develops.
Please remember, we are all in this together when it comes to slowing the spread of COVID-19. Here are some important steps parents, students, and staff can take to help these efforts:
- Stay home if you do not feel well.
- Avoid crowds; stay at least six feet from people not in your household.
- Wear a face mask.
- Wash your hands often.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Get tested for COVID-19 if symptomatic or in close contact with an infected person.
We are grateful for your patience and partnership as we continue to meet this challenge together. Your diligent efforts following guidelines and protocols are making a difference to keep Tustin Unified schools safe.
Please continue to visit the TUSD Website for updates at www.tustin.k12.ca.us. For additional information, please visit covid19.ca.gov.
Have a safe and healthy holiday!
SAT Registration-Open Until 1/15/21 DON'T DELAY!
SAT for 11th Graders: Great news. All 11th-grade students will be invited to take the SAT on-site at Tustin Connect. In lieu of the PSAT, TUSD will be offering the in-person SAT School Day Administration on Wednesday, March 3, 2021. Registration will be open to all 11th-grade students in TUSD. The exam will be administered at each TUSD high school and is limited to Juniors to support the recommended current health and safety guidelines. Please see the details below.
Registration Window: 12/8/20 - 1/15/21
SAT Test Date: March 3, 2021
Cost: $72 for all students. ($19 if you qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program)
Location: The SAT School Day will take place in-person at Tustin Connect High School
How to Register: Students will register and pay for the exam through RegiSmart, a system that will allow schools to safely collect and easily monitor registration and collect exam fees from students. Use this link for step by step instructions along with a link to register.
Kindergarten Round-Up and School Tours
Tustin USD is hosting a district-wide Kindergarten Round-Up event. The virtual event will be from 6-7:30 pm.
Families can RSVP by January 4th at bit.ly/TustinUSDRoundup.
- January 5 at 6:00 in English
- January 6 at 6:00 in Spanish
TUSD School Tours are on January 12 at 9:00 and 6:00 via Zoom. Register here
2021-2022 TK and Kindergarten Enrollment Opens February 1.
If you did not have your child attend kindergarten because of the pandemic, please call the office to discuss registering your child for school next year.
Important Upcoming Dates
End of Semester 1 (Grades 6-12): Friday, December 18th
Winter Break: December 21 - January 4
School Resumes: Tuesday, January 5th
SAT Registration Due: Friday, January 15th
Martin Luther King Jr Day: Monday, January 18th
8th Grade and Senior Photos: Thursday, January 28th
Counselor Corner
Weekly TUSD Mental Health Newsletter: Take a look at our TUSD Mental Health Newsletter. It is filled with tremendous resources and useful tips for families.
Social-Emotional Conversations at Home: Check out these great conversation starters to spark discussion at home about SEL topics. This one is about Asking for Help.
SEL Conversations at Home (ENG) SEL Conversations at Home (SPA)
K-12 Digital Books Resource
Tustin Unified is excited to offer students an additional collection of fun and engaging digital books and audiobooks through Sora. What’s great in Sora:
Popular titles, series, authors, and genres across all grade levels
Variety of materials including picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, and Spanish language items
Full-length audiobooks and read-along picture books
Enjoy on all major devices and tablets
Access & Login
Access Sora directly (https://soraapp.com/welcome) or as a link in Clever
Clever is available as an app on all TUSD student devices or through the Student Portal on the district webpage
Login to Sora through Clever.
Use your TUSD Google username (with @mytusd.org) and password.
Look for and select "Tustin Unified School District" as your school or use our setup code: TustinUSD.
Select "Sign in using Tustin Unified School District"
For more details, including helpful information, visit the TUSD Library Services eBooks & Audiobooks webpage.
Please check out this video in order to get started!
HYBRID SCHEDULES:
Grade 6-12: 24/7 Virtual Tutoring for all Tustin Connect Students
That's right, all TC 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.
How Do Students Use PAPER's Essay Review?
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