Tustin Connect News
Home of the Mavericks
Volume 6 Issue 29
Welcome Back!!! We hope you had a restful and relaxing spring break and are ready for a great 4th quarter. After students having Monday off, they certainly hit the ground running. We've got two great events this week. We have Maverick Hangout on Wednesday, April 2nd from 12:30 - 1pm and Principal/Counselor Coffee on the 2nd as well at 8:45 am.
This week's background features pictures from our edible art project in Drawing and Painting class, as well as a building challenge as part of our leadership class.
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...
We hope you had a fantastic Spring Break. We are excited to be back! We've got our Principal/Counselor Coffee this upcoming Wednesday, April 2nd at 8:45 at the K-8 Conference room or you can join us online at https://tustinusd-org.zoom.us/j/88173758437. Check out the flyer for more details.
Also, as a reminder, please 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. If you haven't done so already, we have been making calls as this is super important for us to be able to prepare for the coming year. For our K-7 Mavericks, we've got our Maverick Hangout this Wednesday right after class 12:30-1pm.
As mentioned previously, K-8 families, please 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. There are scholarships available. Please reach out to me directly for more details on scholarships (efineberg@tustin.k12.ca.us).
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 -
On behalf of the PTA board, have a wonderful Spring Break.
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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Maverick Hangout: Maverick Hangout is this Wednesday, April 2nd from 12:30 - 1pm. It's a crowd pleaser for sure and super fun for everyone. Students don't need to RSVP. They just stay after class.
Kinder and 5th Grade Promotion Support: As we prepare for the ceremonies, we are looking for a couple of parents to help make the day even more awesome. We would love your help if you can. Please reach out to Mrs. Maeda (smaeda@tustin.k12.ca.us) or Mrs. McCourtney (emccourtney@tustin.k12.ca.us).
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.
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 Grade Promotion: We are looking for a couple of parents to serve as coordinators for our end of year Promtion Ceremony. We would love your help putting the night together. Whomever serves on the committe gets first dibs on ceremony location for your family.
8th Grader Students and Parents : 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.
👍 High School Information 👍
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Senior Graduation: We are looking for a few awesome parents to help us out with the Senior Breakfast and swag bag collection. It's super fun and a great way to ensure that the seniors go out in style. If you are interested, please reach out to Mr. Fineberg (efineberg@tustin.k12.ca.us) or your student's advisory teacher.
Quarter 4 Schedule: Quarter 4 has officially begun. Please be sure to confirm your schedule on our website for each of your classes. All of the classes have officially started and we first week of classes are in the books. For students with Monday classes, the first day of classes is this Monday.
IVC Preview Night,:High school students and their families are invited to IVC’s Preview Night on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 (4 PM - 8 PM). This is a great opportunity to explore what IVC has to offer and help students plan their next steps!
✅ Discover why IVC is #1 in UC transfers in Orange County, including UCLA & UCI
✅ Meet faculty & staff to learn about academic programs and student support
✅ Explore 60+ booths featuring degree programs, career pathways & campus resources
✅ Get key admissions & transfer info on guaranteed university agreements, the IVC Honors Program, and the Irvine Valley Promise Program, which provides 🎉 2 years of free tuition!
BONUS: The first 1,500 registered attendees will enjoy a FREE Habit Burger meal, and students will receive a FREE t-shirt! 👕
Don’t miss out and register today: Click here
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
We have Principal/Counselor Coffee this Wednesday, April 2nd at 8:45 am. You can come in person and get some coffee and a pastry or join us online using this link. This month's theme is How to Support Your Student With Anxiety. It's a good one for sure.
8th:
- 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.
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!
April 2nd: Maverick Hangout 12:30- 1 pm
April 2nd: Principal/Counselor/Parent Coffee 8:45 am Meeting Link or in-person at the K-8
April 21-May 2nd: CAASPP Testing 3-8, 11 grades
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