Tustin Connect News
Home of the Mavericks
Volume 6 Issue 31
This week, Tustin Connect was one of the featured programs in the weekly newsletter from the TUSD. The video showcased our middle school guitar class and the piositive impact it has had on the students in the class. Here's a link to the video. Take a moment to check it out. We are the second school featured at the :51 mark of the video. Also, be sure to check out the Upcoming Events section for some details on the end of year activities.
This week's background features pictures from the video showcase of Tustin Connect's Guitar class.
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...
A big thank you to the families that have volunteered to support our end of year activities. If you would still like to help out, please reach out to Mr. Fineberg and he will connect you with the team. It's a great opportunity to give back to school and make your student's day special.
As I mentioned last week, this is worth repeating: with limited in-person instructional time, especially for our K–8 students, every class day is valuable. With only two in-person days each week, missing even one means missing half the week. Please do your best to avoid scheduling appointments during these days. If your child needs to leave early or miss class, email their teacher as early as possible so you can work together to minimize the impact. This applies to both full-day absences and early pickups. Students should also follow up with their teacher after any missed class to stay on track with their work. Thank you for your continued support!
Check out this great video from Mrs. Smith about the Tustin Public Schools Foundation's Fee Based Summer Academy from Mrs. Smith and her daughter that offers a wide variety of enrichment type classes for students. Visit www.tpsf.net/summer for more details. Enrollment is open, and classes are filling up quickly. There are scholarships available. Please reach out to me directly for more details on scholarships (efineberg@tustin.k12.ca.us).
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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3rd-5th Graders: State Testing begins in-person on Tuesday April 22, and continues April 23, 29, 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!
Video Links: As TUSD continues to work on the video access from ipads, Mrs. Maeda's class has separate links for Google Slides that will have the videos for the month loaded onto slides. USE THE GOOGLE SLIDES TO ACCESS THE VIDEOS DIRECTLY FROM THE SLIDES. Each slide will correspond to the Assignment Sheet videos. This will allow your child to access the videos while we continue to work throught this.
😃Middle School Information😃
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Upcoming CAASPP Testing: 8th grade Science test begins on April 17th.
We will then test on
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
8th Grade Promotion: Thank you to the families that volunteered to support our 8th grade promotion ceremony. Reminder that those that volunteer have first dibs on a spot for the ceremony along with being a part of the process and making it memorable for our students.
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 PreCalculs 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.
Game Gauntlet: Legacy Magnet Academy is hosting their first ever gaming tournament on April 19th in their gymnasium. The event is open to all TUSD High School Students. Check out the flyer for more information.
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.
IVC Preview Night,:High school students and their families are invited to IVC’s Preview Night on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 (4 PM - 8 PM). This is a great opportunity to explore what IVC has to offer and help students plan their next steps!
✅ Discover why IVC is #1 in UC transfers in Orange County, including UCLA & UCI
✅ Meet faculty & staff to learn about academic programs and student support
✅ Explore 60+ booths featuring degree programs, career pathways & campus resources
✅ Get key admissions & transfer info on guaranteed university agreements, the IVC Honors Program, and the Irvine Valley Promise Program, which provides 🎉 2 years of free tuition!
BONUS: The first 1,500 registered attendees will enjoy a FREE Habit Burger meal, and students will receive a FREE t-shirt! 👕
Don’t miss out and register today: Click here
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 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 : 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