Tustin Connect News

Issue 27 comes to you amid a Spring Break like no other. Although unexpected, our Tustin Connect Family is well prepared to handle what lies ahead for schools across the nation. Lots of updates in this issue. Keep in Touch (KIT)! We are here for you. This week's picture comes from the Fineberg Home and our newest editions, Moose and Maybel. What's better than puppies! Now more than ever, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Mr. Fineberg, our principal, at efineberg@tustin.k12.ca.us.

What a unique time we are all in. We recognize how incredibly difficult this situation is for many families. We are looking forward to reconnecting with our students after this week’s Spring Break. Our teachers have set up classes for our 9-12 students and our K-8 students have received or will be receiving their assignment sheets. By Tuesday, students and teachers will receive additional information and details about working remotely in light of our elimination of live sessions. As we transition to full digital instruction, we are committed to supporting student learning. There are some additional details below.

Dear TUSD Parents and Guardians:

Due to Governor Newsome’s most recent Executive Order in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the Tustin Unified School District will continue to serve the community by providing meals to children and distance learning to TUSD students, and maintaining school facilities. However, the District is reducing the Grab-and-Go food pick-up locations to Robert Heideman Elementary School, A.G. Currie Middle School and Tustin High School.

As a reminder to the community, all TUSD schools and the District Administration Center will be closed from Monday, March 23, through Friday, April 10. However, the April 10 date may be extended as health conditions change. TUSD continues to monitor the situation and receives guidance provided by the State of California and Orange County public health and education agencies.

Beginning March 23, Tustin Unified will provide Grab-and-Go lunch (for the current day) and breakfast (for the following day) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays at the following locations:

• Robert Heideman Elementary School, 15571 Williams Street
• A.G. Currie Middle School, 1401 Sycamore Avenue
• Tustin High School, 1171 El Camino Real

The meals are provided at no cost to all children 18 years and under. Children must be present to receive the food. Service will be set up as a drive-thru style for pick up; however, walk-ups will be accepted. For more information, call the TUSD Nutrition Services Department at (714) 730-7301, ext. 396.

Teachers will continue with instruction through distance learning, beginning Tuesday, March 24, for all students. Please remember that distance learning will look different throughout the District and we appreciate your patience and flexibility as your teachers shift to a new model for all students.

All fifth- through 12th-grade students have already been issued a device (iPad or Surface Pro) by Tustin Unified. Any internet-connected computer, laptop or tablet can be used for at-home learning. TK through fourth-grade students without a device can click on http://bit.ly/device31120 or email their school principal for support, and a device will be issued to them as quickly as possible. Any TK through 12th-grade student without internet service at their home can click on http://bit.ly/device31120 or email their principal, and the IT staff will support students in gaining access. Printed packets for student work will also be available for grades TK through fourth-grade, if necessary, and can be picked up at any Grab-and-Go food pick-up location in TUSD.

While we continue to provide all families and staff with timely updates regarding District information via email, the TUSD website and social media, for specific questions regarding distance learning, devices and other class/school specific information, please email your child’s teacher(s) and/or principal.

Tustin Unified thanks you for your understanding as we continue to adjust among this fluid and ever-changing situation. We encourage you to check our website regularly at https://www.tustin.k12.ca.us.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Gregory A. Franklin, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Tustin Unified School District

TUSD has worked closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Orange County Public Health, and health care providers across the state to stay updated and informed. We have added extra sanitizer and wipes to all classrooms as well as additional wipe down to furniture and knobs across our classrooms. The flyer below is a great outline for ways that we can all prevent the spread of the flu and COVID 19. Here are some additional resources as well if you'd like.

Student-friendly video overview of the COVID 19 or Corona Virus, guidelines for handwashing for K-2 and 3-6 students. As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

To provide students a flexible, yet rigorous, alternative education solution within a caring community that cultivates success, resilience, and advocacy for themselves and others

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