Tustin Connect News

Issue 16? That's right, Issue 16 has arrived and better than ever. This week we have schedule updates, GATE testing, a mid-week holiday, and the Virtual College and Career Fair as well. This week's background comes to us from Mrs. Fairburn's high school Algebra 2/Trig class. It shows one of her in-person hybrid students working on some problems on the interactive whiteboard while others are online working off the same whiteboard. It's pretty incredible to see in action. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Mr. Fineberg, our principal, at efineberg@tustin.k12.ca.us.

Happy Friday (or whatever day of the week you may be reading this). In talking with teachers, observing in classes, speaking with parents, and reflecting on my own children, I've noticed one of the biggest challenges for parents, grandparents is the concept of letting your children struggle. In classes and recordings of student reading, I've heard very well-intentioned family members tell their child the answer. When we do this, it can have some pretty significant unintended consequences. One of the struggles and things we work hard to do is to allow for cognitive dissonance. That struggle to learn the information is critical to student learning. When we provide the answers to our children we deprive them of the opportunity to create the neural pathways that lead to long-term learning not only for the specific content but learning in general. So my message to you, it is okay for your child to not know and to struggle to find the answer. Support them in getting there with encouragement rather give them the encouragement and confidence to find the answer themselves. The journey is key is also where the joy in learning is found. Stay safe and enjoy your weekend. 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

TUSD Virtual Magnet and Program Night

Thursday, December 3rd, 6:00-8:00 pm

The event will showcase the various schools and programs throughout TUSD in a self-selected, virtual format where families will receive an overview of the various programs in TUSD and then have the opportunity to visit up to 3 of the programs they are most intrigued by. Tustin Connect will of course be one of the schools presenting at the event. You can register by clicking here or visiting bit.ly/TUSDprogramsRSVP to receive the zoom links.

For those that took pictures October 8th, you can pick up your proofs and ID cards from the office. Please call ahead or email Kerri (Kalpay@tustin.k12.ca.us) to confirm the location of your proofs and ID cards as some as K-3, 5-8 are at the B Street campus and 4, 9-12 are at the San Juan Street campus.

Make-up Day is scheduled for Thursday. We are awaiting final confirmation from Lifetouch but the schedule we have is 9 to noon at both campuses. Stay tuned for additional updates via email.

6-12 2nd Semester Return to School Survey: Now until November 13th

Dino Detour Last Day to Sign up to Support TPSF: Sunday, November 15th

Make-Up Picture Day: November 19th

K-5 Report Cards Accessible via Parent Portal: Friday, November, 20th

Fall Break: November 23-27

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.

How to Teach Kids to Spot Misinformation: This week's article comes from the HuffPost. It shares experts' advice for parents who want to raise informed media consumers. As conspiracy theories, "fake news" and misinformation flood the internet, it's clear that media literacy is an essential skill people need to develop now more than ever. While the endless barrage of content may feel overwhelming, parents play a vital role in giving children the tools they need to navigate the modern media landscape and become critically informed consumers.

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!

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.

What is PAPER?

Who are PAPER's Tutors?

How Do Students Use PAPER's Essay Review?

How Do Students Access 24/7 Live Help on PAPER?

How does Paper help students?

Paper for Parents & Guardians

Parent Video in Spanish

Live Help in Spanish

Essay Review in Spanish

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

To provide students a flexible, yet rigorous, alternative education solution within a caring community that cultivates success, resilience, and advocacy for themselves and others

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