Tustin Connect News
Home of the Mavericks
Volume 6 Issue 26
Just another awesome week at Tustin Connect. We had Maverick Hangout on Wednesday at the K-8 and are preparing for the last week before finals at the high school leading up to Spring Break. Lots of good stuff going on as always.
This week's background features pictures from February's Maverick Hangout. Super fun!
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...
Please take a moment today to complete our Family Survey to confirm your plans for the 25-26 school year, yes, it is that time already. The survey is also a great opportunity for families to provide feedback on how the school year has been going. We appreciate you taking the time so we can plan and insure that we can continue to keep all of our great teachers and staff.
Additionally, we are looking forward to our WASC High School Accreditation this coming Friday, March 7th. The visit is a validation of the continued work we have been engaged in since the initial visit in 2022 and allows our high school to show the progress made on the goals set last visit in 2022.
Just a reminder to our K-8 students to check out Tustin Public Schools Foundation's Fee Based Summer Academy that offers a wide variety of enrichment type classes for students. Visit www.tpsf.net/summer for more details. A full list of course offerings is now available. Enrollment opened March 1st and the limited spots fill quickly so you will want to enroll ASAP for sure. Also, the high school internship opportunities for TUSD students are included below. Internships are a great way for students to learn more about possible career choices and to give back to the community they live in. I am a big fan of internships and our students are very lucky to have multiple options available to them. They just must apply.
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
Hello Tustin Connect Family -
This year, PTA and The Tustin School Management Association (TSMA) are joining forces to recognize two people that have made a positive impact in our school. Tustin Connect is excited to recognize Dr. Janice Kim for her tremendous dedication as our outgoing PTA Treasurer and Christina and Robert Cho and their company Pacific West for their generous contributions to our school garden, mural, and outdoor spaces this year as part of their day of service at both the K-8 and HS campuses. We appreciate you all so much and are excited to celebrate you all at the upcoming Community Dinner March 6th.
Reminder that we continue to plan our PTA team for the 25/26 school year. We have multiple positions available within the PTA that require very little time and commitment. Since we are a smaller school, our events and time requirements are minimal, but so important to our school.
Having a PTA enables our school to receive the support needed to provide students and staff with events, trips, graduations, and so much more. Most importantly, it only exists with our help.
TC PTA would greatly appreciate your assistance. If you are interested in learning more about the available positions, please email me or contact me at 949-521-2364 or ambermweiser@gmail.com.
Thank you all for you support. Have a terrific week.
Amber
PTA President Tustin Connect
949-521-2364
✍️ Elementary Information ✍️
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Read Across America Day: March 2nd is Read Across America Day. Students in K-6 are invited to attend in PJs on Wednesday, March 5th to be cozy while they read! Our K-3 students can bring a stuffed animal as well.
Online Lab Hours/Enrichment for Mrs. Maeda's Class: As a reminder, Mrs. Maeda is available for office hours M, Tu, Th 1-1:30 on line via google meet using the code on the front of Schoology. She also hosts enrichment on Fridays from 1-1:30 pm.
K-3: Social Skills Counseling Small Group starting on Wednesday March 5th. Small Group will be for six weeks from 12:30PM-1:00PM.
4-6: Managing Stress and Anxiety Counseling Small Group. Mrs. W is offering a six-week small group to support students in strengthening their ability to positively manage stress and anxiety. In an effort to accommodate various student schedules, Mrs. W will be offering a group on Tuesdays from 12:00 PM-12:30 PM and on Thursdays from 12:30PM- 1:00PM for those students who are unable to attend group on Tuesdays. Start Dates will be on March 4th and 6th.
Please sign and return consent form for your student to be able to participate.
CAASPP Testing: Our students have begun to get ready for the upcoming CAASPP testing for 3rd-8th grade and 11th grade students during the weeks of April 21 to May 2. Your teachers will continue to share more details as we get closer to the testing dates. In the meantime, you can preview sample tests, visit the CAASPP website here.
😃Middle School Information😃
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8th Graders : 8th Grade Students and Parents, please take a moment to complete this quick survey where you can add all your questions about high school and next steps. This is a great spot to put in all your wonderings ahead of Mrs. W's formal presentation on March 27th.
Upcoming Counselor Lessons: Mrs. Wijnhamer has some great upcoming lessons with our 7th and 8th grade students taking place in the coming weeks. Be sure to check in with your students on how they went.
7th:
- March 5th: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Lesson
- March 6th: Final Stress Management Lesson
- March 27th: Tustin Connect High School Information Presentation. Students will hear from Mrs. W at 11:45AM. Parent Information Meeting at 12:30PM.
- March 31st (8:00AM-9:00AM): High School Orientation at Columbus Tustin Middle School for students who will be attending Tustin High, Beckman or Foothill Next Year
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.
MS Assessment Window Opens This Week: The End of the year assessment window is almost here. The Literably student reading assessment window is March 3-14 and STAR Reading is March 10-14. Mrs. McCourtney and Mrs. Dove will provide additional details soon. This is the final assessment window for the school year prior to CAASPP testing.
👍 High School Information 👍
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SENIORS: The deadline to order caps and gowns has been extended to March 14th. Caps and gowns are $28 and include a tassel. On the Jostens website, students will enter their height, weight, and gender. The next screen will ask if you want to purchase a $20 keepsake tassel, this is optional. Please make sure you complete this before March 14th. If the fee is a concern, please let your advisory teacher, Kerri in the office, Mrs. W, Mr. Fineberg know. We will make it work for sure. Jostens Caps and Gowns
Upcoming Support for all High Schoolers: Please check out the upcoming offerings from Mrs. W.
9th-12th: Counselor Student Drop Ins to Review Academic Planner and Classes for Next Year.
If students have not seen Mrs. W yet to review their classes and plan for next school year please have them come see her in the front office. She is blocking out time from 9:00AM-12:00PM on Monday, March 10th and Thursday, March 13th.
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 9:00AM-9:45AM.
12th: FAFSA Deadline has been extended to April 2nd. Please make sure you complete your FAFSA or turn in an Opt Out Form to Mrs. W as soon as possible!!
Women in STEM: We have a great opportunity for our students to participate in the Women in Stem Career Day 2025 on Thursday, March 6th at Los Angeles Harbor College. Bus transportation and lunch will be provided. Check out the flyer for more details. If you intend to go, you can sign up using this link and the permission slip as well.
Internship Opportunities: In addition to the Tustin Summer Academy internships, the TUSD has a variety of opportunities as well. Check out the website for more information. There are lots of opportunities for TUSD students. Make sure you take advantage.
Food Drive In Honor of Mrs. Maeda's dad. Collection Box in the front office.
Let's show our kindness by donating to the 2025 San Dimas Rotary Foundation Military Families Food Drive. Bring any items and place them in the box in the front office all month long…
Donation Deadline: March 7
Items Needed: (See flyer for complete list- Please check expiration dates on items)
- Canned foods
- Dry foods
- Toiletries
- Baby items
- See flyer for more specific items needed…
Thank you for supporting military families!
Highlights from the past month and upcoming events
School Counselor Updates
K-3: Social Skills Counseling Small Group starting on Wednesday March 5th. Small Group will be for six weeks from 12:30PM-1:00PM.
4-6: Managing Stress and Anxiety Counseling Small Group. Mrs. W is offering a six-week small group to support students in strengthening their ability to positively manage stress and anxiety. In an effort to accommodate various student schedules, Mrs. W will be offering a group on Tuesdays from 12:00PM-12:30PM and on Thursdays from 12:30PM- 1:00PM for those students who are unable to attend group on Tuesdays. Start Dates will be on March 4th and March 6th.
Please sign and return consent form for your student to be able to participate.
7th:
- March 5th: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Lesson #5
8th:
- March 6th: Final Stress Management Lesson
- March 27th: Tustin Connect High School Information Presentation. Students will hear from Mrs. W at 11:45AM. Parent Information Meeting at 12:30PM.
- March 31st (8:00AM-9:00AM): High School Orientation at Columbus Tustin Middle School for students who will be attending Tustin High, Beckman or Foothill Next Year
9th-12th:
Counselor Student Drop Ins to Review Academic Planner and Classes for Next Year.
If students have not seen Mrs. W yet to review their classes and plan for next school year please have them come see her in portable 27. She is blocking out time from 9:00AM-12:00PM on Monday, March 10th and Thursday, March 13th.
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 9:00AM-9:45AM.
12th:
FAFSA Deadline has been extended to April 2nd. Please make sure you complete your FAFSA or turn in an Opt Out Form to Mrs. W as soon as possible!!
For those of you that missed the Parent Coffee this Wednesday via Zoom or in person at the K-8, we will have one next month. Here's a copy of the slides. During the meeting, Mrs. J shared a list of books that address Social Emotional Learning (SEL). It is a great list. You can check it out using this link.
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!
March 3-7: Read Across America Week
March 7: High School WASC Accreditation Visit
March 7: Last Day for Donations for our Food Drive for Military Families
March 27: Tustin Connect MS to HS Orientation
March 27: Tustin Connect MS to HS Orientation
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