Tustin Connect News
Home of the Mavericks
Volume 6 Issue 32
We hope everyone had a great week. It was another awesome week at Tustin Connect. This week, Mrs. McCourtney's class participated in an old-fashioned group chat as they are studying sound waves. So fun! Next week, we are excited to celebrate our secretaries on Wednesday as we celebrate National Secretaries Day. We have great secretaries!
This week's background features pictures from that old-fashioned group chat.
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...
One of the greatest strengths of our blended learning model is the partnership it fosters between school and home. While our classrooms provide structure, guidance, and personalized instruction, the home environment plays an equally critical role in student success. We truly see parents and caregivers as co-educators in this journey, and your support makes all the difference. As we move into the final stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to celebrate all you do and offer a few practical strategies to keep the momentum going:
🤫 Create a Quiet, Distraction-Free Space
Students thrive when they have a consistent place to learn that is calm, quiet, and free of distractions. A simple desk or table with all the necessary supplies: chargers, headphones, notebooks, pencils, can go a long way in setting the tone for focus and productivity.
🗓 Start the Week with a Plan
Take a few minutes at the beginning of each week to sit down with your student and map out their assignments. Together, decide which tasks to tackle on which days. A clear plan helps reduce overwhelm and builds strong time-management habits.
📅 Check In and Adjust Daily
Life happens! If an assignment wasn’t completed, that’s okay, blended learning is flexible by design. Check the schedule each day and, if needed, renegotiate deadlines or priorities. These small moments of reflection and adjustment teach students responsibility and problem-solving.
📬 Stay in Communication
If your child is struggling with content, technology, or anything in between, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our teachers are here to support you. You don’t need to have all the answers; we’re on the same team, and we’re always ready to help.
This partnership between school and home is what makes blended learning so powerful. Thank you for being such a vital part of your child’s educational journey. We’re in this together, and we’re so grateful for your continued support.
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
Help Shape the 2025–2026 PTA Team!
The PTA Board is currently preparing the election slate for the 2025–2026 school year, and we’d love for you to be a part of it! We have several open positions—many of which require minimal time and commitment. As a small school, our events are few but meaningful, and your involvement makes a big impact.
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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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.
3rd-5th Graders: State Testing begins in-person on for 4th-6th graders on Monday, April 21st and continues April 23, 28, and 30. Please ensure that you child gets plenty of rest, eats a solid breakfast, and brings a fully charged iPad and headphones during the weeks of testing. In the meantime, you can preview sample tests, by visiting the CAASPP website here.
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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Upcoming CAASPP Testing:
April 22 8th ELA CAT/PT (in-person 9-11:30) and
7th ELA CAT/ PT (in-person 11:30-2)
April 23 7th ELA CAT/PT (in-person 9-12)
April 24 8th ELA CAT/PT (in-person 9-12)
April 28: 7th/8th 9-11 Make-Up Testing
April 29: 8th Math CAT/PT (in-person 9-11:30)
7th Math CAT/PT (in-person 11:30-2)
April 30: 7th Math CAT/PT (in-person 9-12)
May 1: 8th Math CAT/PT (in-person 9-12)
May 2: 7th/8th 9-11 Make-Up Testing
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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IVC Precalculus Tutoring Available: We are excited to share that we now have a set time for our IVC Pre-Calculus cohort to receive free tutoring on campus with our highly qualified staff member, Mr. Danny Tuttle. Mr. Tuttle will be offering in-person drop-in tutoring hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00AM-1:00PM in room 26.
Senior Clap Out: Attention Seniors, if you attended elementary school in TUSD, they'd love for you to come back on May 29th at 9 am to go back to the beginning of your academic journey at your respective elementary school, to briefly reconnect with your former teachers and most importantly, model academic success to current elementary school students. Please check out the Flyer to learn more and use this link to sign up so they know you will be there.
Junior and Senior Prom at LMA: LMA students and staff are pleased to invite the Tustin Connect juniors and seniors to Legacy Magnet Academy's 2025 Prom. Tustin Connect students may download the permission slips and find the link to purchase their tickets at www.lmaasb.org. Students are also welcome to send a check made out to "Legacy Magnet Academy ASB." Please see attached flyers; Tustin Connect students will pay the "w/o ASB card" price. Mrs. Alpay in the office will collect all checks and permission slips and send them to LMA.
9th Grade Physical Fitness Testing: Per state requirement, students in grade 9 are administered the California Physical Fitness Test(PFT). The following five components are tested:
· Aerobic Capacity
· Abdominal Strength and Endurance
· Trunk Extensor Strength and Flexibility
· Upper Body Strength and Endurance
· Flexibility
Results from the PFT provide students and their families with a measurement they can use along with other information to monitor their overall fitness. The results also can be used by schools to evaluate their physical education program.
Testing will take place at Tustin Connect High School on Tuesday, April 22nd from 12:00-1:00 PM. Students will meet in room 29.
For additional information, please review the attached parent guide as well as the letter from the Director of Educational Services for TUSD. Please let me know if you have any questions.
To learn more about the PFT, go to the CDE Parent Guides to Understanding web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/pf/index.asp
If you have any questions about your child’s participation in the PFT, the FITNESSGRAM®, or the test results, please contact Mr. Fineberg at efineberg@tustin.k12.ca.us
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!
April 21-May 2nd: CAASPP Testing 3-8, 11 grades
April 30: GATE/APL Virtual Parent Meeting @ 11 am
May 2: School Site Council Meeting #4
May 5-9: Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
May 7: Maverick Hangout 12:30- 1 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 Da
May 22: Senior Breakfast and Movie (10-1 pm)
May 22 : 8th grade promotion @ 6 pm
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