Tustin High School News
September 28, 2026
THIS WEEK AT TUSTIN HIGH
Honor Roll Celebration
We were excited to celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of 345 Tustin High School students! This year, 185 students earned Principal’s Honor Roll recognition with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, while 160 students earned Superintendent’s Honor Roll recognition with a GPA of 4.0 or higher.
These students demonstrated incredible dedication, hard work, and commitment to their education. On Wednesday, September 23, we celebrated their accomplishments with a special treat in the Plaza. Congratulations to all of our Honor Roll students; we are incredibly proud of your achievements! Click here to view photos.
Soak a Teacher!
Our Tillers had a blast soaking some of their favorite teachers for a great cause! A big thank you to all of our teachers who were willing to get soaked and to everyone who participated and supported this ASB fundraiser which benefits all students!
MUN Conference
Students in our Model United Nations program donned their best professional outfits and participated in the South Orange County Model United Nations conference on Saturday.Congratulations to our winning delegates!
- Junior Norah Walsh - Commendation
- Freshman Lucia Schwartz - Commendation
- Freshman Aaron Knoll - Commendation
- Freshman Olivia LaRosa - Commendation
Tillers Tour Cal State Fullerton!
Tillers explored CSUF this week and got a firsthand look at college life! Cal State Fullerton is part of the 23-campus CSU system and has 100+ degree programs, with strong programs in business, communications, engineering, nursing, kinesiology, education & more!
College tours are part of our work as a community school, providing enrichment opportunities to help students explore their options and imagine what’s possible after high school!
Tiller News Today - September 23, 2026
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday, September 28
- Tutoring starts (see fliers in Counseling section)
- Volleyball vs Calvary Chapel F/JV: 3:15 PM, Varsity 4:30 Staff Appreciation Game & GAME OF THE WEEK
- Flag Football vs Katella Varsity 6:45 PM
Tuesday, September 29
- Paper Flower Workshop @ 3:35-5:30 PM (Rm 211)
- Volleyball at Ocean View
- Water Polo at Garden Grove
- Varsity Tennis vs Fullerton 3:15 PM
- JV Tennis at Fullerton
Wednesday, September 30 - Late Start Wednesday Schedule
- College Conference Day for Seniors (report directly to Sports Pavilion)
- Flag Football at Ocean View Varsity 5:30 PM | JV: 7:00 PM
Thursday, October 1
- Volleyball vs Laguna Hills Frosh/JV: 3:15 PM | Varsity: 4:30 PM
- JV Tennis vs Kennedy 3:15 PM
- Varsity Tennis at Kennedy 3:15 PM
- JV Tackle Football at Crean Lutheran 3:30 PM
Friday, October 2
- Varsity Tackle Football vs Crean Lutheran 7:00pm PINK OUT
- Athletic Hall of Fame Induction at Football Game Halftime
Saturday, October 3
- Saturday Support @ 8 AM - 12 PM
- Tillers on Track @ 8-11 AM
THIS WEEK'S BELL SCHEDULES
Regular Start Schedule - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
Late Start Schedule - Wednesday
October Family Events
ATHLETICS
Athletes of the Week
Leah Chopin
Leah Chopin is our Female Athlete of the Week. Although she is only a freshman, she is already achieving great success on campus. As the starting outside hitter on the varsity volleyball team, she is leading the team in game kills. Her efforts this week helped the team beat Godinez in league, a necessary win to help secure a playoff run. Leah is also an academic achiever juggling honors courses and an AP class. Leah is also actively involved in Tustin's T-Tech Program.
Taven Epps
Taven Epps is our Male Athlete of the Week. Taven is a three-sport Varsity letterman who has competed in Tackle Football, Basketball, and Track during his high school tenure. Last week, Taven's strength as a linebacker helped the Tillers defeat Westlake. He is currently ranked #1 in the nation at his position. While he has been at Tustin, Taven has been a leader both on the field and in the classroom. He will graduate early to continue his educational and athletic journey at Oklahoma University.
Game of the Week: Girls Volleyball on Monday, September 28
Come to the Girls' Volleyball game on Monday at 4:45 PM in the Pavilion. The team will face Calvary Chapel. Check in with an administrator to clear five hours of detention. It is also Teacher Appreciation Night!
Tustin Athletic Hall of Fame Induction
Join us at this Friday's Tackle Football game as we honor an incredible group of Tustin High athletes and coaches whose achievements have left a lasting legacy. The evening begins with a Dinner Reception for honorees at 5:30 PM, followed by the football game at 7:00 PM and the Hall of Fame induction ceremony at halftime.
🏈 Tillers are taking over SoFi Stadium! ❤️🖤
Join us Thursday, October 15 at 5:00 PM as Tustin takes on Villa Park!
🎟️ Game tickets: Click here to purchase online
🚌 Student Rooter Bus: $15 with ASB | $20 without ASB — purchase at the Student Store
Wear RED, bring the energy, and help us pack SoFi! 🔥
COUNSELING
College Conference Day 🎓 SENIORS — THIS DAY IS ALL ABOUT YOU! 🎓
Parents Are Invited to College Conference Day! 🎓
We are excited to invite all senior parents to join us for College Conference Day on Wednesday, September 30, from 9:40 a.m. to 1:35 p.m.
All seniors will participate in this special day and rotate through five breakout sessions designed to help them prepare for life after high school. Students will learn about Financial Aid, UC, CSU, and Community College pathways and get valuable information as they begin making their college plans.
📍 We will all begin together in the Sports Pavilion with our Financial Aid presentation (9:40 - 10:20 AM). This will be the only Financial Aid session, so parents interested in learning about financial aid are encouraged to join us at the beginning of the conference. After the Financial Aid presentation, students will break out into groups and rotate through the remaining sessions.
Parents are welcome to attend! You can stay for the entire conference or join us for the sessions that interest you most.
Important Information for Parents & Students:
- Parents: Please sign in at the front office when you arrive.
- Students: Please go directly to the Sports Pavilion for 1st period. 🚩 You do not need to report to your regular 1st-period class.
- Conference: 9:40 a.m. – 1:35 p.m.
- Location: Sports Pavilion
We look forward to having our senior families join us for this informative day focused on college and the next steps after Tustin High School! ❤️🖤
📚 TUTORING STARTS SEPTEMBER 28!
We are excited to announce that tutoring will begin Monday, September 28! 🎉
We have ALL SUBJECTS available, so students can get help in the subject they need.
✨ ALL students are welcome to attend!
You do NOT have to attend your own teacher’s classroom. Students may attend any available tutoring session that works for them. We have it available before and after school.
Come get extra help, ask questions, and feel more confident in your classes! 📖✏️
We look forward to seeing you there!
TUSD College & Career Connections
🎓 College + Career Connections is coming! TUSD middle and high school students and families are invited to explore resources and opportunities for the future!
📅 Thursday, October 8
📍 Foothill High School
⏰ Resource Expo & food truck at 5 PM | Sessions begin at 5:30 PM
Connect with community partners and colleges, plus attend sessions on career pathways, college applications & financial aid, internship opportunities, and middle school college & career resources.
Come explore your options and start planning for the future!
TUSD Direct Admissions Program with Cal State University
Tustin Unified School District is excited to announce a partnership with the California State University (CSU) to help students access college opportunities through a Direct Admissions program. You can read more about the CSU Direct Admission Program HERE. As part of this program, the District may share limited student information with CSU to:
• Determine CSU admission eligibility
• Notify students of admission opportunities
• Provide information about enrollment, financial aid, and support services
Information that may be shared includes the student's name, contact information, date of birth, student ID (SSID), school information, and basic demographic and eligibility data. Parent/guardian contact information may also be included.
Federal law (FERPA) permits schools to share this information with CSU for college enrollment purposes without prior consent if parents/students are provided with the ability to opt out of sharing this information in the school's annual notice. You may opt out of this program. If you do not want your student’s information shared, please notify us by filling out the opt-out form HERE no later than October 1st. If you do not opt out, your student’s information may be shared as described. If you have questions, please contact Asst. Principal of Curriculum and Instruction, Mr. Giebe, at 714-730-7414 or tgiebe@tustin.k12.ca.us.
College & Career Calendar
Fall is college visit season! College representatives will be visiting campus throughout the fall, giving students a great opportunity to learn about different universities, ask questions, and explore their options. Visits are held in the Plaza or Room 806 - check the calendars below for dates, times, and locations. Students in all grade levels are encouraged to attend!
The 28th Annual Youth Awards are officially OPEN!
Are you a high school senior who is making an impact, leading with purpose, and dreaming BIG? This is YOUR moment to be recognized!
The Youth Awards celebrate outstanding students who are excelling in the classroom, making a difference in their communities, and showing excellence in their field.
Students from across the United States are invited to apply!
DEADLINE: November 1, 2026
This year’s categories include:
🤝 Community Service - presented by @ColgatePalmoliveCO
🌱 Green - presented by @TheCocaColaCo
⚙️ Engineering - presented by @SouthwestAir
💡 Entrepreneurship - presented by @TasteSalud
…and there’s MORE! Additional categories will be announced throughout the awards season.
Don’t just dream about making an impact, show the world what you’re capable of!
APPLICATION LINK: https://hispanicheritage.org/hispanic-heritage-foundation-opens-applications-for-28th-annual-youth-awards/
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Tissue Paper Flowers Workshop - September 29
Help us decorate for Hispanic Heritage Night! Join us for a Tissue Paper Flower Workshop on Tuesday, September 29, from 3:35–5:30 PM in Room 211. Students, staff, and families are invited to help create colorful flowers for our celebration. All supplies and instruction will be provided, no experience or registration needed!
Support Tustin High’s Hispanic Heritage & Report Card Night!
Help us make Hispanic Heritage & Report Card Night a success! There are two easy ways to support the event:
- Donate a Prize: Choose an item from our Amazon Wish List, Prizes will be given away at the event through ticket drawings. Parents & guardians will receive one prize ticket for each teacher they visit at Report Card Night.
- Sponsor a Flag: For $25, sponsor a flag representing a Hispanic country. You will receive a personalized poster featuring your name, photo, and chosen flag. Posters will be shared on social media, displayed at our October 22 celebration, and yours to keep afterward. See samples below and click here to sponsor a flag.
Thank you for helping us create a fun and memorable evening for our Tiller students and families!
Sponsorship Template
Sample Family Sponsorship
Sample Friends Sponsorship
OCTA Bus Pass Program Updates
OCTA has made additional changes to the bus pass program to make it easier for students and families.
- Students can apply on their own. In addition to parents or guardians applying on their behalf, students can now submit the application themselves along with a completed parental consent form.
- Student IDs can be used to verify eligibility. Students may submit a student ID showing their name and birthdate or grade/school year, or other acceptable eligibility documentation.
- Virtual Wave cards are now available. Once approved, students can use a physical Wave card or add a virtual Wave card to their phone to ride OC Bus for free.
These enhancements give families greater flexibility and make it simple for students to apply and keep riding OC Bus for free. Students and families can apply at OCBus.com/Apply.
Fall Dino Dash Discounts
Gather your dino-mite friends and family and join the fun! New registrations are 10% off from October 2–4.
When you register, be sure to select a Tustin High program or teacher to support - part of your registration comes right back to our school! ❤️🖤
Free Training Programs for Adults at Santa Ana College
Santa Ana College School of Continuing Education offers short-term training programs that are FREE for adults in the community. Click on links below for fliers. To be considered for admission into any of these training programs, a person must attend at least ONE orientation for the program they wish to be considered for. All orientations, like the training programs themselves, are free.
The programs are:
Nursing Assistant
Personal Caregiver
Community Health Worker
Dental Assistant
Early Childhood Education Pre-Apprenticeship Program
STUDENT SERVICES
FREQUENTLY CALLED NUMBERS
Attendance Office (leave a message anytime day or night) - ext 87175
Counseling Office - ext 87160
College & Career Center - ext 87806
Discipline Office - ext 87155
Community Liaison - ext 87159
Library - ext 87103
Student Store - ext 87104
WE TIP HOTLINE 844-714-0861
If you have concerns or information that you want to share anonymously, please call or text the We Tip Hotline at 844-714-0861.
Tustin High School Statement of Non-Discrimination
STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION / SEXUAL HARASSMENT / BULLYING
(A summary of Tustin Unified Board Policies and Regulations 5145.3, 5154.7, 5131.2 and 1312.3)
The Tustin Unified School District (Tustin USD) is committed to ensuring equal, fair, and meaningful access to employment and education services. The District prohibits, in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity, unlawful discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, intimidation, and bullying, based on actual or perceived race or ethnicity, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, immigration status, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, medical condition, pregnancy and related conditions, retaliation, or political beliefs; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Your child has a right to a free public education, regardless of immigration status. The District will take steps to assure that the lack of English will not be a barrier to admission and participation in District programs. A copy of the District’s nondiscrimination policy is available from the Tustin Unified School District Office.
The following person is the designated Coordinator at Tustin High School to handle complaints regarding discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, and to answer inquiries regarding the District’s nondiscrimination policies:
Julio Lopez
Assistant Principal
Administration Office
714-730-7414
Any student who feels that they have been subjected to discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying should immediately contact the Coordinator, the principal, or any other staff member. In addition, any student who observes any such incident should report the incident to the Coordinator or principal, whether or not the victim files a complaint. Report discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying to the name above or any school administrator. They can help!