News From the Ranch

Dear TRE Family,

What an awesome first week back on the ranch! Your cool coyotes made new friends, laughed and played with such joy on the playground, built new classroom communities, had their first Friday Flag, and have already started to dig into new learning. Their energy, joy, and smiles were awesome to see across the ranch! It is clear that we have an incredible year ahead.

Teachers and students have already begun digging into the learning. We started our Positive Behavior Intervention Systems (PBIS) rotations for our Cool Coyotes to learn the expected behaviors at school. Our Cool Coyotes are kind, safe, and responsible! I have added the TRE Expected Behaviors for our Cool Coyotes below.

Students will have PE with Coach C every Tuesday starting this week. Please be sure they wear athletic shoes and bring a water bottle labeled with their name on it. Students may wear hats at PE and recess. Be sure that any hat with a logo is school appropriate.

Arrival and dismissal has improved throughout the week! Thank you all for your help with this. There are a few things we need to remember...

1. Please do not get out of your car or park and leave your car in the car line when dropping off or picking up your student. Not even for a quick second! This blocks traffic and creates a major backup.

2. Always pull forward. Keep going forward until your reach the end of the driveway or the car in front of you! Even if your child needs to go to the office or 1st grade gate. We have a lot of staff out front to help your child.

3. Parent Waiting Zones: Please either wait by the marquee/front office or wait by the stop sign to pick up your 1st-5th grader. Do NOT stand in front of the front green fence as this is where teachers will line up students so that they can see you either standing or driving up for pick up. TK and Kindergarten should meet their child at the classroom door.

4. HAVE A PLAN!! Let your child know the plan for pick-up in the morning. If it changes, please let your child's teacher know before 11:30 AM OR call the office.

5. 1st-5th graders will be bringing home a name plate this week (likely in Friday Folders). When you get it, please place it in your car to help teachers call out student names during pickup.

Thank you to everyone that joined at Back to School Night and PTA's Welcome Back Coffee Social. It has been a true pleasure to meet so many TRE families. Thank you for such a warm welcome! I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the Tustin Ranch Elementary community. If you missed Back to School Night or wanted to review a teacher presentation, click HERE to access all BTSN teacher presentations.

With gratitude,

Mrs. Ciecek (pronounced: chess - ick)

Friday, August 29: MINIMUM DAY

Kindergarten Dismissal: 12:55 PM

1st-2nd Dismissal: 1:24 PM

3rd-5th Dismissal: 1:34 PM

September 1st: Labor Day Holiday - NO SCHOOL

September 10th: School Picture Day

Please note the updated bell schedule with 3rd grade joining 4th and 5th grade. Thank you for your flexibility with this change to support our 3/4 combo students.

This year TRE spirit wear will be available all year long. Click HERE to explore all the awesome spirit wear options. The webstore is currently running a 20% off code (SPIRIT20) and discounted shipping. Both our mascot Rocky the Cool Coyote, as well as our 30 year Anniversary logo are available for purchase. The spirit wear webstore has everything from t-shirts, to sweatshirts, to hats and sweatpants. There are items with a lower price tag, as well as popular name brand Nike and Adidas options. There is something for everyone (parents included). I recommend clicking on CUSTOMIZE IT to explore the variety of customizable options. You can choose shirt color and adjust design colors. Have fun exploring!

PLEASE give yourself plenty of time to get your child to school. We have over 500 students, the parking lot WILL be busy and EVERYONE has somewhere they need to get to. Starting this week, students who are late will be sent to the office to get a tardy slip.

TK & Kindergarten: Drop-off is on Keller Street. You will need to park your car and walk to the gate. For pick-up, parents will enter the back gate and wait in front of the classroom.

Arrival/Dismissal:

Students can be dropped off at school starting at 7:55 AM. There is no supervision before 7:55 AM. If you need before or after school care, please call Catalyst Kids Club at (714) 573-9256.

Instruction, in the classroom starts at 8:10 for TK-2nd grade and 8:20 for 3rd-5th grades.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday instruction in the classroom ends at 1:50 PM for TK-K, 2:38 PM for 1st-2nd grade, and 2:48 PM for grade 3-5. Please allow enough time for teachers to walk their students to the front gates.

Wednesday dismissal: TK and K: 12:55 PM, 1st-2nd: 1:24 PM, 3rd-5th: 1:34 PM

If your child is in 3rd-5th grade and dismissed at 2:48 (1:34 on Wednesdays), PLEASE DO NOT come to pick up your child before 2:50 (1:35 on Wednesdays). If you have both a primary grade and upper grade student, please do not park in the pickup line to wait for your upper grade student. When the cars for upper grade dismissal are lined up waiting, we can't dismiss the earlier primary grades and it backs up the traffic. If you come early, you will be asked to drive around and get back in the car line. Thank you for helping ensure a smooth, efficient dismissal process.

As always, we ask that parents and families adhere to all traffic regulations, signs, and the direction of staff, as well as practice PATIENCE and SAFETY when dropping off and picking up students. Please take a minute to review the parking lot procedures below.

Dear Parents,

The TRE School Site Council (SSC) is now accepting nominations for parent members on the SSC. This is a two-year term, August-May and August-May.

The School Site Council serves the students and the school by:

• Developing the School Plan with teachers and support staff

• Implementing the Plan, putting it into effect for student learning

• Evaluating the Plan to see if it is helping all students

• Verifying and assuring expenditures in the School Plan are used to improve academic performance of all pupils.

Parent members of the SSC are expected to:

• Attend the meetings (days and times)

• Actively participate in SSC responsibilities

• Represent parents in the neighborhood and community

• Become knowledgeable about the School Plan through training provided in October or November each year.

If you are interested your name will be placed on a ballot for an election. Please click HERE to share your interest by Friday, Aug. 22nd.

Meeting Dates for 2025-2026:

• Meeting #1: Monday, Sept 29, 3:00-4:00 PM
• Meeting #2: Monday, Nov 17, 3:00-4:00 PM
• Meeting #3: Monday, February 2, 3:00-4:00 PM
• Meeting #4: Monday, April 20, 3:00-4:00 PM

TUSD offers a breakfast snack at first recess, as well as hot lunch. You are always welcome to pack a lunch from home as well. School breakfast and lunches are free for students. If you need to drop off lunch, please do so before lunch time. We have a cart in the front office for you to leave it on and add a tag with student name. The cart gets rolled out at lunch time for student access.

To see the daily menu click this link: https://www.myschoolmenus.com/instance/655/district/547

In line with education law, student dress codes are established to:

• Promote a climate and culture where scholar focus is on learning
• Promote a productive, safe instructional environment

While society reflects a wide range of personal expression in clothing, grooming, and accessories, the quality of scholar work and behavior is affected by personal appearance. Scholars are expected to wear clothing that is clean, neat, appropriate, and safe.

TUSD Dress Code:

To eliminate misinterpretations of the dress code, the following dress standards shall be enforced:

Shirts/Tops

• No tight/revealing shirts (workout tops, undergarments showing, see-through, low-cut, etc.)
• Undergarments must not be visible (including sports bras)
• No bare midriff/crop tops (If skin shows when arms are raised the top is too short.)
• No spaghetti straps, bare shoulders, or shirts with less than one-inch straps
• No halter or swimwear tops
• No tube tops
• No “underwear” style tank tops
• No shirts with oversize armholes showing torso area
• No hood from hoodies worn at school unless it is raining

Pants/Shorts/Skirts

• No short-shorts or micro-mini skirts (minimum 5” inseam)
• No excessively loose or baggy pants/shorts
• Pants/shorts must be worn at the waistline
• Hems must be sewn; no frayed, split, or pinned legs
• Pants may not drag on the ground, or have rips or holes.
• Pants/shorts may not allow undergarments to be exposed
• No excessively long, untied, or dangling belts
• Overall straps must be worn over the shoulders and buttoned

Footwear

• Footwear which is safe for school activities must be worn at all times
• Footwear must be closed toe and closed back

Dangerous Jewelry/Objects

• No chains, or sharp dangly earrings
• No dagger style ear plugs
• No riveted dog collars or raised rings
• No chains for wallets or on masks
• No laser light pens (Scholars shall be cited as per Penal Code Sections 417.25 and 417.27.)

Other Inappropriate Attire

Clothing, apparel, and jewelry shall be free of writing, pictures, or any other insignia that is crude, vulgar, profane, demeaning, sexually suggestive, or which advocates or promotes racial, ethnic, religious, sexual prejudice or strife, or which relates to the use of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol.

• No sexual comments/innuendoes
• No drugs or references to drugs (blunt, 13, hemp, marijuana leaf, 4:20, etc.)
• No tobacco product names or trademarks
• No liquor products or bar names or trademarks/logos
• No depicting a person engaged in illegal activities (tagging, weapons, etc.)
• No hats/caps/hoods indoors, and must follow the guidelines above.
• No visible tattoos

No hats/caps/hoods worn in the classroom. No hoods unless raining.

Teachers and staff may have students remove or put away non- essentials items (ie: hats, jewelry, personal items, accessories, etc.) either in or out of the classroom if they are causing a disruption or are distracting other students.

Please label all water bottles, lunch boxes, jackets, and removable clothing items with your child’s name. These items are commonly left on the playground, and as we do our best to return labeled items to the proper owner, unlabeled items will be placed in the Lost & Found located outside the Multi-Purpose Room.

To ensure student safety and exposure to unmonitored internet contact directly, or through friends, cell/smartphone use is not allowed on school campus by students (including field trips). Cell phones and smartphones must be stored in the owner’s backpack and powered “off” during the entire school day. Students are not permitted to keep their cell/smartphone in their pockets or desks, or otherwise “on their person” while at school. Smart devices such as watches are not to be used during school in any capacity that mimics a cell or smartphone.

Use of a watch or activity tracker is permissible. If students violate the cell phone policy or are found to have a smart device in their possession that is not stored and in the ’off’ position, students will receive a warning. If behavior is repeated, parent will be contacted to pick up the device.

Tustin Ranch is not responsible for items that have gone missing during school. While we are sympathetic to items that are missing, please remember that it is our endeavor to focus as much time as possible on refining our programs and instruction to maximize student achievement, and time taken to look for these items hinders these efforts. A licensed physician and surgeon may direct a student to use an electronic signaling device if carrying such a device is essential for the health of the student. Use of the device by the student is limited specifically to the health of that student.

If a student needs to call their parents they may call from the school office or classroom.

If a parent needs to give their child a message they may call the front office at (714)730-7580. We will be sure the student receives the message.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff is one of our highest priorities. As part of our ongoing commitment to creating secure and welcoming learning environments, I want to inform you about a new safety measure that has recently been implemented across all TUSD schools.

We have installed video intercom systems at the main entrances of each school site. These systems will serve as an additional layer of protection by allowing front office staff to visually confirm the identity of all visitors before granting them access to the building. This means that during school hours, all doors will remain locked, and entry will be permitted only after screening via the intercom system.

Why are we doing this? The world around us is changing, and school safety protocols must evolve along with it. While our schools remain welcoming places for learning and community, we must also take proactive steps to limit unauthorized access and increase our ability to respond quickly and appropriately to any potential threats.

What does this mean for you?

• When visiting a school at any time of the day, you will be required to press the intercom button and may be asked to state your name and reason for visiting.
• Once verified, office staff will unlock the door remotely and allow you to enter.
• We ask for your patience and cooperation as we implement this system. The process may take a few extra moments, but it is one more way we are working to keep everyone in our school communities safe.

We understand that safety is a shared responsibility, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support and partnership. If you have any questions about this update or any other aspect of our safety protocols, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school’s front office or the district office.

Thank you for helping us keep our schools safe, secure, and supportive learning environments for all.

Warm regards,

Michelle Ciecek

Principal

Tustin Ranch Elementary School

Students in grades 1st-5th will take part in rotations/stations to review our TRE school rules throughout the campus. We could use parent volunteers to help with supervision and support. Thank you to all who volunteered for day 1 this week. Please click HERE if you would be interested in volunteering on August 18th.

Join the PTA and support amazing programs for our TRE students. Click HERE to join. Thank you to the 40 members who have already joined!

Support PTA's fundraising goal by joining us for our first Restaurant Fundraiser on August 30th at The Stand. You can go between 11 AM - 10 PM. Make sure to bring your flier from the Friday Folder to provide 20% of your food and beverage purchase back to our TRE PTA.

It's a must-read to know what is happening at TRE!

Every Sunday you will get TRE News through Parent Square communication. This is your way to read about everything coming up at school and see pictures from the week. If you don't see the newsletter, make sure you are have set up Parent Square. You can choose email, text, or both. Be sure to review the News From the Ranch each week.

Support TUSD schools & join TRE at the TPSF Dino Dash on Sunday, Nov. 2nd. www.DinosaurDash.net

Have you downloaded the Parent Square app?

ParentSquare is the only way you will get information from the school.

We are in the digital age and we do not send papers home anymore. In order to know what is coming up, holidays, spirit days, events, news, and much more, you need to have the ParentSquare app. It is free and you sign up using the email you use in the Aeries Parent Portal.

The app allows you to stay connected with Tustin Unified School District and Tustin Ranch Elementary. Stay connected with TRE school news this year!

Follow Tustin Ranch Elementary on social media!

Instagram: Tustin Ranch Elementary School @trecoolcoyotes

If your child is in need of special meal accommodations, please complete the Medical Statement Form and/or the Fluid Milk Substitution Form below and submit to the front office.

Principal: Michelle Ciecek, dciecek@tustin.k12.ca.us

Secretary: Sumitra Vittal, svittal@tustin.k12.ca.us

Office Assistant: Karen Dillon, kdillon@tustin.k12.ca.us

Community Liason: Lupe Inutan, ginutan@tustin.k12.ca.us

Community Specialist: Maura Vaughn, mvaughn@tustin.k12.ca.us

Health Clerk: Victoria Lawrence, vlawrence@tustin.k12.ca.us

Website: https://www.tustin.k12.ca.us/tustin-ranch
Location: 12950 Robinson Drive, Tustin, CA, USA
Phone: (714)730-7580
Twitter: @trecoolcoyotes

The Tustin Unified School District prohibits discrimination, intimidation, harassment (including sexual harassment) or bullying based on a person’s actual or perceived ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, immigration status, national origin, religion, race or ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. For questions or complaints, please contact Equity Compliance Officer: Stephanie Yang, Director Educational Service TK-12, 300 S. C Street Tustin, CA 92780, 714-730-7301 ext. 51318 | Title IX Coordinator: Stephanie Yang, Director Educational Service TK-12, 300 S. C Street Tustin, CA 92780, syang@tustin.k12.ca.us, 714-730-7301 ext. 51318 and Section 504 Coordinator: Michelle Everitt, Coordinator of Student Services, 1151 San Juan St. Tustin, CA 92780, 714-730-7301 ext. 51326.