Tustin Connect News
Home of the Mavericks
Volume 6 Issue 27
Wow, it was a busy week at Tustin Connect. The theme of the week was Read Across America. We had pajama day, guest readers, and a celebration of literacy and the joy that brings can bring. Additionally we were able to celebrate and show thanks to Robert and Christina Cho who supported both our campuses this year with a day of beautification from the leadership team as well as Dr. Janice Kim for her years of dedication and support to our PTA at the annual TSMA/Coordinating Council Community Dinner Event. Thank you to our PTA and President Weiser for sponsoring the event. It was a great night and opportunity to give thanks to the Cho and Kim families.
This week's background features pictures from our Read Across America Fun as well as from the Community Dinner Event where everyone showed their spirit with their favorite sports teams.
As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or compliments, please reach out to Mr. Fineberg, our principal, at efineberg@tustin.k12.ca.us.
Principal's Message...
I wanted to send out a big congratulations to our high school students, famlies and staff on a successful WASC visit. Final recommendations and certification will arrive in the coming weeks, but our end of visit meeting went great. The feedback received raved about the culture and personalized relationships that can be seen across the campus. The alignment of goals and all the great work and dedication from our staff. Special kudos to Mr. David who headed up the writing portion to prepare for the visit. Lots to celebrate and be proud of.
If you have not done so already, please take a moment to complete our Family Survey to confirm your plans for the 25-26 school year, as well as provide feedback on how the school year has been going. We appreciate you taking the time so we can plan and insure that we can continue to keep all of our great teachers and staff.
Reminder to our K-8 students to check out Tustin Public Schools Foundation's Fee Based Summer Academy that offers a wide variety of enrichment type classes for students. Visit www.tpsf.net/summer for more details. Enrollment is open, and classes are filling up quickly.
If you have any questions, compliments, ideas, and/or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out at (714) 430-2052 ext. 52103 or efineberg@tustin.k12.ca.us.
Mr. Fineberg
PTA Round Up
Hello Tustin Connect Family -
A big thank you again to Dr. Janice Kim for her tremendous dedication as our outgoing PTA Treasurer and Christina and Robert Cho and their company Pacific West for their generous contributions to our school garden, mural, and outdoor spaces this year as part of their day of service at both the K-8 and HS campuses. We appreciate you all so much and were excited to celebrate you this past Thursday at the Community Dinner.
Reminder that we continue to plan our PTA team for the 25/26 school year. We have multiple positions available within the PTA that require very little time and commitment. Since we are a smaller school, our events and time requirements are minimal, but so important to our school.
Having a PTA enables our school to receive the support needed to provide students and staff with events, trips, graduations, and so much more. Most importantly, it only exists with our help.
TC PTA would greatly appreciate your assistance. If you are interested in learning more about the available positions, please email me or contact me at 949-521-2364 or ambermweiser@gmail.com.
Thank you all for you support. Have a terrific week.
Amber
PTA President Tustin Connect
949-521-2364
✍️ Elementary Information ✍️
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Online Lab Hours/Enrichment for Mrs. Maeda's Class: As a reminder, Mrs. Maeda is available for office hours M, Tu, Th 1-1:30 on line via google meet using the code on the front of Schoology. She also hosts enrichment on Fridays from 1-1:30 pm.
K-3: Social Skills Counseling Small Group started on Wednesday March 5th. Small Group will be for six weeks from 12:30PM-1:00PM.
4-6: Managing Stress and Anxiety Counseling Small Group. Mrs. W is offering a six-week small group to support students in strengthening their ability to positively manage stress and anxiety. In an effort to accommodate various student schedules, Mrs. W will be offering a group on Tuesdays from 12:00 PM-12:30 PM and on Thursdays from 12:30PM- 1:00PM for those students who are unable to attend group on Tuesdays. Start Dates will be on March 4th and 6th.
Please sign and return consent form for your student to be able to participate.
CAASPP Testing: Our students have begun to get ready for the upcoming CAASPP testing for 3rd-8th grade and 11th grade students during the weeks of April 21 to May 2. Your teachers will continue to share more details as we get closer to the testing dates. In the meantime, you can preview sample tests, visit the CAASPP website here.
😃Middle School Information😃
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8th Graders : 8th Grade Students and Parents, please take a moment to complete this quick survey where you can add all your questions about high school and next steps. This is a great spot to put in all your wonderings ahead of Mrs. W's formal presentation on March 27th.
Physical Fitness Testing: Physical Fitness Testing will begin after spring break. We will be using all of April to complete the PFT requirements for all 7th grade students. To help your child prepare for the PFTs on Wednesdays (starting March 26th), please be sure that they get a full night's sleep and have a healthy (but not heavy) breakfast. If you'd like to learn more about the PFT, please click on this link: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/documents/pgtu-pft.pdf
Tustin Connect HS: If your child is looking to continue in an independent learning environment or would like to have the option to attend a comprehensive high school while still having some flexibility with their time, then Tustin Connect HS is the place! Our high school program is hosted by six teachers who all specialize in a specific subject area. With over 200 students enrolled in our high school program, there are more opportunities for clubs and student interaction. Please feel free to explore the TCHS website and watch this short video. In March, Mrs. W will host an intro meeting for all 8th grade parents interested in learning more about Tustin Connect HS.
MS Assessment Window Opens This Week: The End of the year assessment window is almost here. The Literably student reading assessment window is March 3-14 and STAR Reading is March 10-14. Mrs. McCourtney and Mrs. Dove will provide additional details soon. This is the final assessment window for the school year prior to CAASPP testing.
👍 High School Information 👍
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SENIORS: The deadline to order caps and gowns has been extended to March 14th. Caps and gowns are $28 and include a tassel. On the Jostens website, students will enter their height, weight, and gender. The next screen will ask if you want to purchase a $20 keepsake tassel, this is optional. Please make sure you complete this before March 14th. If the fee is a concern, please let your advisory teacher, Kerri in the office, Mrs. W, Mr. Fineberg know. We will make it work for sure. Jostens Caps and Gowns
Upcoming Support for all High Schoolers: Please check out the upcoming offerings from Mrs. W.
9th-12th: Counselor Student Drop Ins to Review Academic Planner and Classes for Next Year.
If students have not seen Mrs. W yet to review their classes and plan for next school year please have them come see her in the front office. She is blocking out time from 9:00AM-12:00PM on Monday, March 10th and Thursday, March 13th.
11th-12th: In an effort to provide you with additional support as you navigate your rigorous schedules, Mrs. J and I are offering a counseling small group that is aimed at strengthening student's ability to successfully manage and cope with stress and anxiety.
The following topics will be taught in group with accompanying skills.
- Identifying Triggers Related to Stress and Anxiety
- Understanding Healthy Coping Skills vs. Unhealthy Coping Skills
- Work/ Life Balance
- Time Management
- Creating a Community of Support
If you are interested in joining this 7 week small group please complete this form and Mrs. W will reach out to you individually! The group will be held on Wednesdays from 9:00AM-9:45AM.
12th: FAFSA Deadline has been extended to April 2nd. Please make sure you complete your FAFSA or turn in an Opt Out Form to Mrs. W as soon as possible!!
Internship Opportunities: In addition to the Tustin Summer Academy internships, the TUSD has a variety of opportunities as well. Check out the website for more information. There are lots of opportunities for TUSD students. Make sure you take advantage.
Highlights from the past month and upcoming events
School Counselor Updates
4-6: Managing Stress and Anxiety Counseling Small Group. Mrs. W is offering a six-week small group to support students in strengthening their ability to positively manage stress and anxiety. In an effort to accommodate various student schedules, Mrs. W will be offering a group on Tuesdays from 12:00PM-12:30PM and on Thursdays from 12:30PM- 1:00PM for those students who are unable to attend group on Tuesdays. Start Dates will be on March 4th and March 6th.
Please sign and return consent form for your student to be able to participate.
8th:
- March 27th: Tustin Connect High School Information Presentation. Students will hear from Mrs. W at 11:45AM. Parent Information Meeting at 12:30PM.
- March 31st (8:00AM-9:00AM): High School Orientation at Columbus Tustin Middle School for students who will be attending Tustin High, Beckman or Foothill Next Year
9th-12th:
Counselor Student Drop Ins to Review Academic Planner and Classes for Next Year.
If students have not seen Mrs. W yet to review their classes and plan for next school year please have them come see her in portable 27. She is blocking out time from 9:00AM-12:00PM on Monday, March 10th and Thursday, March 13th.
11th-12th:
In an effort to provide you with additional support as you navigate your rigorous schedules, Mrs. J and I are offering a counseling small group that is aimed at strengthening student's ability to successfully manage and cope with stress and anxiety.
The following topics will be taught in group with accompanying skills.
- Identifying Triggers Related to Stress and Anxiety
- Understanding Healthy Coping Skills vs. Unhealthy Coping Skills
- Work/ Life Balance
- Time Management
- Creating a Community of Support
If you are interested in joining this 7 week small group please complete this form and Mrs. W will reach out to you individually! The group will be held on Wednesdays from 9:00AM-9:45AM.
12th:
FAFSA Deadline has been extended to April 2nd. Please make sure you complete your FAFSA or turn in an Opt Out Form to Mrs. W as soon as possible!!
For those of you that missed the Parent Coffee this Wednesday via Zoom or in person at the K-8, we will have one next month. Here's a copy of the slides. During the meeting, Mrs. J shared a list of books that address Social Emotional Learning (SEL). It is a great list. You can check it out using this link.
Mrs. W is happy to connect! Her role is to support students in their academics, social and emotional wellness and college and career readiness. Feel free to reach out at: rwijnhamer@tustin.k12.ca.us.
Mrs. J is a talented, licensed therapist who serves as a mental health specialist for Tustin Connect and supports students in their well being.
Resources from our wonderful Mental Health Specialist, Mrs. J:
Free Online Parenting Course tailored to the age and the specific behavioral challenges of the child (0-18 years)
Positive Parenting Program tailored to building your child’s confidence in taking on new challenges
Brightline provides mental health for kids and parenting support for parents. Brightline support to kids and families for everyday challenges and behavioral health conditions.
Technology Questions/Needs - There's Help Available!
Important Upcoming Dates - Please check our school Website Calendar for all the latest!
March 15-24: Spring Break
March 14: End Quarter 3
March 27: Tustin Connect MS to HS Orientation
March 27: Tustin Connect MS to HS Orientation
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