Principal's Message...
I am super excited to host Tustin Connect's first-ever Virtual WINTERFEST. Come join the virtual fun dressed in your PJs with a cup of your favorite hot cocoa on Thursday, December 17th at 6 pm for Elementary and 6:30 for Middle school. We'll be having staff read aloud and online games with cool prizes. Use this link to RSVP and get the virtual meeting code.
We are so appreciative of the continued support from our PTA and families. It is what makes Tustin Connect such a special place. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out at (714) 430-2052 ext. 52103 or efineberg@tustin.k12.ca.us
Mr. Fineberg
2020 TC Virtual Winterfest-Thursday, December 17th 6-7 pm
Thursday, December 17th from 6-7 pm
Elementary Families: 6-6:30 pm
Middle School Families: 6:30-7 pm
8We will be determining alternate plans for our high school families as the timing coincides with their finals.
Please take a moment to RSVP using this link. You will receive a link to the event once you have RSVP'd.
Christmas Early for our Science Department
Christmas came early for Mrs. Bullock and Mrs. Murashige. Our science department received over 8k worth of science materials to enhance our lab science programs. It is an exciting addition to our science program, and we look forward to being able to have students dig into these incredible learning tools!
Message from our PTA
Hello Tustin Connect Families,
As a result of AmazonSmile Program activity between July 1 and September 30, 2020 we have received a donation of $35.96. Our BIG THANKS go out to you, Tustin Connect PTA supporters who shop at AmazonSmile. Amazon donates 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. If you shop at Amazon then please shop using AmazonSmile (https://smile.amazon.com/) as our school PTA will then receive 0.5% of your eligible purchases. Here are 2 ways to add Tustin Connect PTA to your AmazonSmile account:
- You can add Tustin Connect by going on the customer link and select Tustin Connect PTA as the charity of choice.
- Skip the above process and use our Tustin Connect PTA unique charity link https://smile.amazon.com/ch/90-1506339
In addition, the Tustin Connect PTA would like to remind all of our families that if you haven’t already registered your Ralph’s club now is a great time to do so.
Please visit https://www.ralphs.com and register your Ralphs Club Card before your holiday shopping. Once logged into your Ralphs account you can search for TUSTIN CONNECT PTA either by name or PD524 and then click Enroll. New users will need to create an account that requires some basic information, a valid email address, and a rewards card.
Ralphs donates annually to participating organizations based on your percentage of spending as it relates to the total spending associated with all participating Ralphs Community Contribution Program organizations.
We thank you for your continued support in our PTA and our schools!
Elementary Information
Lexia Resource: This year, your child will be using Lexia® PowerUp Literacy®, a computer-based program that tailors instruction to their specific needs. The activities in PowerUp support and build on our English language arts classroom curriculum, focusing on three areas essential to becoming a proficient reader: word study, grammar, and comprehension. Please use this link to learn how PowerUp works and how you can set your child up for success.
Middle School Information
Last Day of Semester: This Friday is the last day of the semester. Make sure that your coursework is turned in no later than 3 pm on 12/17.
High School Information
CSU Fall 2021 Priority Application Deadline Extended: CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White and the CDE extended the priority application deadline until December 15th for Cal State schools. The CSU system is set to return to in-person instruction for Fall 2021. The extension was granted as a result of a decrease in applications and a large number of unfinished applications in the system.
Last Day of Semester: This Friday is the last day of the semester. Make sure that your coursework is turned in no later than 3 pm on 12/17. Gradebooks will be closed for winter break and 3rd quarter will be starting when we return, so be sure all work is completed and turned in.
SAT Registration
SAT for 11th Graders: Great news. All 11th-grade students will be invited to take the SAT on-site at Tustin Connect. In lieu of the PSAT, TUSD will be offering the in-person SAT School Day Administration on Wednesday, March 3, 2021. Registration will be open to all 11th-grade students in TUSD. The exam will be administered at each TUSD high school and is limited to Juniors to support the recommended current health and safety guidelines. Please see the details below.
Registration Window: 12/8/20 - 1/15/21
SAT Test Date: March 3, 2021
Cost: $72 for all students. ($19 if you qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program)
Location: The SAT School Day will take place in-person at Tustin Connect High School
How to Register: Students will register and pay for the exam through RegiSmart, a system that will allow schools to safely collect and easily monitor registration and collect exam fees from students. Use this link for step by step instructions along with a link to register.
5th Graders Tackling Some Tough Topics
Our 5th-grade Mavericks have been working hard finishing up their informational reading and writing unit. As a culminating project, the students wrote nonfiction articles on various topics of interest. To share these articles with an authentic audience, Mrs. McCourtney's class has created a website featuring all the student writing. Please click here to enjoy their hard work!
Important Upcoming Dates
Tustin Connect Virtual Winterfest: Thursday, December 17th
- Elementary: 6-6:30
- Middle School: 6:30-7 pm
End of Semester 1 (Grades 6-12): Friday, December 18th
Winter Break: December 21 - January 4
School Resumes: Tuesday, January 5th
SAT Registration Due: Friday, January 15th
8th Grade and Senior Photos: Thursday, January 28th
Counselor Corner
Weekly TUSD Mental Health Newsletter: Take a look at our TUSD Mental Health Newsletter. It is filled with tremendous resources and useful tips for families.
Social-Emotional Conversations at Home: Check out these great conversation starters to spark discussion at home about SEL topics. This one is about Asking for Help.
SEL Conversations at Home (ENG) SEL Conversations at Home (SPA)
K-12 Digital Books Resource
Tustin Unified is excited to offer students an additional collection of fun and engaging digital books and audiobooks through Sora. What’s great in Sora:
Popular titles, series, authors, and genres across all grade levels
Variety of materials including picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, and Spanish language items
Full-length audiobooks and read-along picture books
Enjoy on all major devices and tablets
Access & Login
Access Sora directly (https://soraapp.com/welcome) or as a link in Clever
Clever is available as an app on all TUSD student devices or through the Student Portal on the district webpage
Login to Sora through Clever.
Use your TUSD Google username (with @mytusd.org) and password.
Look for and select "Tustin Unified School District" as your school or use our setup code: TustinUSD.
Select "Sign in using Tustin Unified School District"
For more details, including helpful information, visit the TUSD Library Services eBooks & Audiobooks webpage.
Please check out this video in order to get started!
Grade 6-12: 24/7 Virtual Tutoring for all Tustin Connect Students
That's right, all TC students have access to this terrific resource. Take a moment to check it out! It's terrific.
Paper/Grade Slam: Don't forget to use this 24/7 free tutoring service! You can even use it for college essay review and SAT and ACT prep. Here are links to a few resources.
How Do Students Use PAPER's Essay Review?
TUSD's School Opening & Safety Plan
The health, safety, and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority as they return to school. When the new school year begins, the on-campus school will look much different than previous years due to new health and safety measures.
Tustin Unified has created a School Opening and Safety Plan that addresses how schools will meet the needs of students in the coming school year. The plan to reopen schools is based on current guidance from public health officials, state agencies, as well as your valuable input from the recent parent survey, and will be updated as the situation evolves. As a result, TUSD has put together two options that will address social-distancing requirements to keep TUSD students and staff safe while also supporting student learning.
For the 2020-21 academic year, Tustin Unified will provide families a choice of two instructional options, including the hybrid model – a blend of in-person and remote learning, and Tustin Connect (K-12) – 100% online virtual school with optional in-person instruction.
The TUSD School Opening and Safety Plan (English linked, Spanish below) covers the many procedures and protocols that are being put in place for a successful and safe reopening. The plan can also be found on the TUSD website at https://www.tustin.k12.ca.us.
PLAN DE SEGURIDAD Y APERTURA DE ESCUELAS PARA EL AÑO ESCOLAR 2020-21
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