Tustin Connect News
Home of the Mavericks
Volume 6 Issue 36
We have a new principal! Super exciting!!! See below for additional details. We have 8th grade promotion on Thursday evening and finals week starting up next week at the high school. Only two weeks of school left. Holy cow!
This week's background features pictures from last Friday's Teacher of the Year celebration for Mrs. Smith. The top picture is the centerpiece from the event and the bottom picture is from the event.
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...
As you hopefully saw earlier today, the new Tustin Connect principal has been announced. I could not be more excited about the appointment of Eric Killian as the principal of Tustin Connect. Aside from having a great first name, Mr. Kilian is a talented administrator who brings many talents and strengths to the position. His student centered approach and positive approach will be a great fit at Tustin Connect. I couldn't be more thrilled to welcome Mr. Killian to the TC Family!!!
In case you missed it, here's the announcement.
TUSD Names Eric Kilian Tustin Connect Principal
The Tustin Unified School District (TUSD) is excited to announce Eric Kilian as the new Principal of Tustin Connect. Mr. Kilian will assume his new role on July 1, 2025.
Mr. Kilian has been a part of the TUSD Family since 2000, having taught at Estock Elementary and Hewes Middle School, served as assistant principal at Pioneer Middle School, and principal at Heideman Elementary and Hewes Middle School, prior to leading Orchard Hills since 2021. He brings with him a long history of achievement throughout his 25 years of experience in public education.
“I am honored to join the Tustin Connect family,” shared Mr. Kilian. “Tustin Connect represents some of the best in innovation, flexibility and personalized learning. I look forward to working alongside Tustin Connect’s incredible staff, students, and community to continue their work in building a supportive educational environment where every student can thrive.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Kilian to his new role,” stated Superintendent Dr. Mark Johnson. “He is committed to student-centered learning with a proven track record of achievement. We are confident that under his leadership, Tustin Connect will continue to flourish, offering students flexible and innovative learning opportunities.”
Mr. Kilian has a master's in educational research from Vanguard University and a bachelor of arts in communications from Westmont College. In 2008, he was celebrated as TUSD Teacher of the Year, Orange County Teacher of the Year and California Teacher of the Year finalist.
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, Principal
Tustin Connect K-12 Blended Learning School
PTA Round Up
It's official!
The PTA Board officially elected their officers. 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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Schedule for 25-26 School Year: The 25-26 School Year schedule has arrived. Our main student day with K-7th grade students will now be on Thursdays. We will still have 2 days a week in person with an optional lab day on Mondays.
K-8 Moving to Google Classroom: Beginning Fall 25: All K-8 students will be using Google Classroom exclusively. Teachers will be supporting the transition for K-6 students over the next couple of weeks and into the beginnin of the school year. Most students have been using Google Classroom, so this should be a pretty smooth transition away from Schoology completely.
Spirit Wear Wednesday: This coming Wednesday, May 14th, is PJ Day! Let's see those awesome PJs. The following week will be Favorite Color Dress in case you were looking to plan your outfits out. :)
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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May Schedules for 7/8:
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
Schedule for 25-26 School Year: We have the schedule for next year ready. Our main student day with K-6 and 8th grade students will now be on Thursdays. 7th grade will continue on Wednesdays.
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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Finals Pizza: Monday, May 19th, will be Pizza Day for students. Be sure to come by for some pizza during finals on Monday, May 19th at 11:30 am.
Seniors Updates: Please check out some important updates for our seniors.
5/22 Senior Breakfast and Movie at 10 am 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 Graduation: The Ceremony is on Thursday, May 29th at 3 pm at the Tustin High School Stadium. See the flyer for more details, including parking. Students report at 2 pm. There are no tickets required for guests to attend.
Highlights from the past month and upcoming events
- School Counselor Updates
Attention 9th-12th Graders: If you have signed up to take our IVC CCAP math course in the fall, please complete the following steps by next Thursday, 5/15
- Steps to become an IVC Student:
- Complete Application and Get Student ID #
Visit IVC California Community College (CCC) Apply.
First Time Users: create an account by using either your PERSONAL EMAIL or your phone number. You will only need to create this account once.
Returning Users: sign in.
After creating/signing into your OpenCCC account:
"Start a New Application" and complete the IVC application.
Specify no high school diploma earned; expected graduation date (put June 15 of graduating year if not known).
Check your personal email for a response from IVC that includes your IVC student id number
You should receive this email within 24-hours after submitting your CCC application.
Activate your IVC email and change your default password.
You will receive an email with a link to activate your IVC student email. If you did not receive it, contact Tech Services at 949-451-5696 and provide your student ID number.
For security purposes, it is highly recommended that you change your password. You can do this by clicking the "Change Pin/Password" link.
Your username is your IVC email without the "@ivc.edu," which you would use to access your IVC Canvas for class information.
Complete CCAP Dual Enrollment FormUsing your IVC credentials, log in to the CCAP Dual Enrollment Form.
Fill out your information, digitally sign, and submit the form.
Your parent/guardian and your school official will receive an email to digitally sign the form. They will need to create an account if they have never signed a Dual Enrollment Form before.
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.
- BrightLife Kids - A CalHope Program by Brightline12th Grade- Mrs. W will be providing a counseling lesson on 5/21 after the forensic science lab. I hope you will be able to make it!
Technology Questions/Needs - There's Help Available!
Important Upcoming Dates - Please check our school Website Calendar for all the latest!
May 21-28 K-7 End of Year Spirit Dress Up Days
- May 21: Wear Favorite Colors Day
- May 28: Wear Sporty Clothes or Sports Jersey Day
May 22: Senior Breakfast and Movie (10-1 pm)
May 22 : 8th grade promotion @ 6 pm (students report at 5 pm)
May 26: No School-Memorial Day
May 29: High School Graduation @ 3 pm at Tustin High School Stadium (students report at 2 pm)
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