Tustin Connect News
Home of the Mavericks
Volume 6 Issue 34
We had a busy week at Tustin Connect and next week is TEACHER/STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK. In addition, The students and staff treated Mr. Fineberg to an AWESOME Principal's Day. We also celebrated our lunch ladies for National School Lunch Hero Day. Lastly, Friday ended up being a day of announcements at Tustin Connect. Mrs. Maeda shared the following message with her families:
💕 I also wanted to take a moment to let you know of some news....It's hard to find the words to share that after 31 wonderful years in education, I have made the difficult decision to retire at the end of this school year. This decision is truly bittersweet, as I will deeply miss our amazing kids and the incredible families and staff members that I’ve had the privilege to partner with.
Being a teacher at Tustin Connect has been one of the greatest joys of my career. This unique and amazing setting has allowed me to form meaningful connections, support students in creative and personal ways, and be part of a truly special community. I will continue to finish this school year to support you and your child and be part of the end of the year Kindergarten Graduation and Family Picnic. I hope I will be able to see you then!
Thank you for welcoming me into your lives and trusting me to walk alongside your child on their learning journey. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
With much appreciation and gratitude, 💕
Mrs. Maeda
Congratulations to Mrs. Maeda! She will be missed!
In addtion, Mr. Fineberg shared an announcement below as well.
This week's background features pictures from the incredible cards, posters and surprise messages to celebrate Principal Day and a picture from our Lunch Heros celebration.
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... A letter from Mr. Fineberg
Dear Students, Staff, and Tustin Connect Community,
It is with a full heart and tremendous gratitude that I share some personal news. I will be transitioning out of my role as Principal of Tustin Connect at the end of this school year into a new role as Principal of Hillview High School.
While it’s not easy to step away from a community that means so much to me, I am filled with pride and gratitude for everything we’ve accomplished together at Tustin Connect. It has been an incredible honor to serve as your principal, and I will always cherish the relationships, the growth, and the remarkable spirit that defines our school.
Together, we’ve grown something truly special, a learning environment rooted in innovation, care, and flexibility. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, the challenges we’ve overcome, and most of all, the way this community comes together to support every student’s success.
As I begin this next chapter at Hillview High School, I carry with me all that I’ve learned from this inspiring community. Tustin Connect is on a powerful path, and I’m excited to see how it continues to grow and thrive in the years ahead.
Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and for making this such a meaningful chapter in my journey. I will always be a proud Maverick!
As always, 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.
Sincerely,
Erick Fineberg
Please check out the links below to learn more about how you can celebrate our teachers.
Elementary: https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/50968818
7th & 8th : https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/50816252
High School: https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/50967473
PTA Round Up
PTA Meeting this Tuesday!
The PTA Board officially elected their officers this past week. Here are your 2025/26 PTA Board Members.
Amber Weiser - President
Tiffany Harris – Treasurer
Analee Bradley – Auditor
Veronica Mata – Secretary
Having an active PTA allows us to support our students and staff through events, field trips, graduations, and more. But none of it is possible without volunteers like you.
If you're interested in learning more or getting involved, please reach out to me at ambermweiser@gmail.com or 949-521-2364.
Thank you for your continued support and have a wonderful week!
Warmly,
Amber Weiser
PTA President, Tustin Connect
ambermweiser@gmail.com
949-521-2364
✍️ Elementary Information ✍️
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Library Books Due: Please be sure to track down all of your school library books as they will be due by May 7th to the library.
Spirit Wear Wednesday: This coming Wednesday, May 7th is our field trip and in honor of our trip, please wear school colors (Blue/White)
Field Trip Time: It's official, our students have earned a field trip to the Discovery Cub next month on May 7th. Please complete the permission slip if you have not done so already. Super exciting. Who doesn't love a field trip? Click here for more information.
Maverick Hangout: Mark your calendar, this coming Wednesday, May 7th will be Maverick Hangout from 12:30-1 pm at the K-8 campus.
Annual Family Picnic: On Wednesday, May 21, we will be having class time from 8:30 am-11:30 am, then at 11:30 am, we will have our annual Family Picnic! Bring blankets, chairs, pack some lunches and join us for lunch with your child and other TC Families!
😃Middle School Information😃
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NO MONDAY LAB THIS WEEK: 7th and 8th will not be having lab this week in order to accomodate for CAASPP Testing Make Ups.
May Schedules for 7/8:
May 5-9: Regular Schedule for Classes
May 12-16: Regular Schedule for Classes
May 19-23: Regular Schedule for Classes (Tie Dye Wednesday)
May 27-30: No class on 5/27 (Mrs. Dove will be at Knott's with the 8th graders) + Walking Field Trip on 5/28
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.
👍 High School Information 👍
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TC BBQ: As part of our Tobacco Use Prevention program, we have a school wide BBQ for all students on Wednesday, May 7th at the HS quad area from 12:30-1:30 pm. Be sure to bring a big appetite and be ready for a Mr. David BBQfest.
Seniors Updates: Please check out some important updates for our seniors.
5/14 Graduation Speech and Music Auditions at 12:30pm
- Interested in giving a speech or singing at graduation? Be sure to fill out the senior graduation survey. Mr. David will reach out to those interested with details.
5/22 Senior Breakfast and Movie at 10am in the MPR
- Let's celebrate our seniors with a pancake breakfast and movie in the Tustin Connect campus MPR. During this event students can pick up their awards, make candy leis, and enjoy time with their friends. If you're a parent interested in helping with this event please fill out this survey
Senior Parent Survey: Senior parents, please take a moment to respond to our Senior Parent Survey. Kudos to our committee for all of their work to put together the activities.
Highlights from the past month and upcoming events
School Counselor Updates
In case you missed our Principal/Counselor Coffee on Wednesday, April 2nd, we recorded it for your viewing pleasure. Check it out and learning more about anxiety and ways you can support your student.
9th-12th:
Counselor Student Drop Ins to Review Academic Planner and Classes for Next Year.
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 9:00 AM-9:45 AM.
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!
May 5-9: Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
May 7: Maverick Hangout 12:30- 1 pm
May 7: All Library Books (K-8) Due
May 7: TC High School BBQ sponsored by TUPE 12:30-1:30 pm
May 7-28 K-7 End of Year Spirit Dress Up Days
- May 7: Wear School Colors Day
- May 14: Wear Pajamas Day
- May 21: Wear Favorite Colors Day
- May 28: Wear Sporty Clothes or Sports Jersey Day
May 14: Graduation Speech and Music Auditions at 12:30 in P31
May 21: Family Picnic at 11:30 am / Followed by 12:00 pm - 5th Grade promotion, Kindergarten Graduation, End of year awards ceremonyMay 22: Senior Breakfast and Movie (10-1 pm)
May 22 : 8th grade promotion @ 6 pm
May 26: No School-Memorial Day
May 29: High School Graduation @ 3 pm at Tustin High School Stadium
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