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Tustin Connect News

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Tustin ConnectNews Home of the Mavericks

Volume 1, Issue 28

There is no debate issue 28 comes with much to update. We have made it through week 1 of quarantine. I am so appreciative of our teachers, families, and STUDENTS! You are doing an amazing job in these unprecedented times. This week's picture comes from our staff meeting this week. Like all of you and your teachers, we are meeting virtually as well. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Mr. Fineberg, our principal, at efineberg@tustin.k12.ca.us.

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Principal's Message...

We have officially made it through the first week of instruction under the COVID-19 Guidelines. I'm not sure how it is in your homes, but it's been interesting in the Fineberg home. With a Senior, Freshmen and 3rd grader we span the gauntlet. My wife is a teacher and so we are both working from home. The key for us as a family is creating a schedule and sticking to it the best we can. I was reading something from the Beckman High School Counselors and thought I would share as it provides some key points to "Staying Zen in Covid-19 Times." Here they are.


  • Wash your hands
  • Moderate news intake
  • Arrange study space so it's calming
  • Stay active with workout/yoga/dance videos
  • Do something creative
  • Practice mindfulness (deep breathing/guided meditation)
  • Keep in touch with family/friends via phone and video chat
  • Reach out to your school counselor, teacher principal to schedule a time to chat

Stay tuned for our counselor website, link to all teachers' websites and office hours and more...

Latest TUSD Update on COVID 19

TUSD Parent Message

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update – March 27, 2020

Dear TUSD Parents and Guardians:

The world has changed, and we are changing with it. Tustin Unified School District leaders and their staffs are doing all they can to ensure that learning continues and that vital nutrition and meal services are provided. Our educators are working hard to provide instructional resources for distance learning opportunities for every student they serve. Our Maintenance and Operations staff and custodians continue to thoroughly clean, disinfect and maintain the campuses.

We wish to remind the community all TUSD schools and the District Administration Center are closed through Friday, April 10, due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. However, that date may be extended as health conditions change. Tustin Unified continues to monitor the coronavirus situation and receives guidance provided by the State of California and Orange County public health and education agencies.

Beginning Monday, March 30, Tustin Unified will provide Grab-and-Go breakfast and lunch meals three days per week – Monday, Tuesday and Thursday – from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Robert Heideman Elementary School, 15571 Williams Street; A.G. Currie Middle School, 1401 Sycamore Avenue; and Tustin High School, 1171 El Camino Real. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, students will receive four meals – two for the current day and two for the next day.

The meals are provided at no cost to all children 18 years and younger (it is not necessary for them to be in the free and reduced lunch program). Service is set up as a drive-thru style for pickup; however, walk-ups are accepted. For more information, call the TUSD Nutrition Services Department at (714) 730-7301, ext. 396.

All fifth- through 12th-grade students have already been issued a device (iPad or Surface Pro) by Tustin Unified. Any internet-connected computer, laptop or tablet can be used for at-home learning. While site based device distribution has concluded, TK through fourth-grade students still needing a device can click on http://bit.ly/device31120 or call (714) 430-2251 for support, and a device will be issued to them as quickly as possible. Any student without internet service at their home can click on http://bit.ly/device31120 or call (714) 430-2251, and the IT staff will support students in gaining access.

Teachers continue to provide distance learning opportunities for all students. If you are interested in additional instructional resources for your child, please visit the TUSD website, select the Distance Learning tab and explore the learning resources available. Printed instructional packets will remain available for students in grades TK through fifth-grade, and can be picked up at any Grab-and-Go food pickup location. Additionally, Governor Newsom issued an Executive Order to waive this year’s statewide standardized tests in math, English language arts and science for K-12 students. “This time is stressful enough for students, families, and educators without the additional burden of annual testing,” Newsom said.

In the interest of public safety and the health of every resident, we are asking families to help reduce the spread of the virus by doing the following:

  • Heed the strict Stay at Home/Shelter in Place orders by staying home except to obtain or provide essential services.
  • Do not allow students to socialize in person with friends. This includes congregating for sports, games or outings at local parks or other locations. Students and all residents must stay in their homes unless traveling for an essential function.
  • Help students find new ways to connect with friends using age-appropriate apps, phones, videos, etc.

We will continue to provide all families and staff with timely updates regarding District information via email, the TUSD website and social media. However, if you have specific questions regarding distance learning, devices and other class/school specific information, please email your child’s teacher(s) and/or principal.

This pandemic presents unprecedented challenges but given the strength of the TUSD community, I am confident we will continue to provide a rich and valued educational program for our students. Tustin Unified thanks you for your understanding as we continue to adapt and adjust to this changing situation. Please check our website regularly for the latest news at https://www.tustin.k12.ca.us.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and please stay well.

Gregory A. Franklin, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Tustin Unified School District

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Internet Needs

If you need help with getting internet access, our district has been working with local providers. Please contact Cox, Spectrum, Charter or Comcast via phone or online to see if you qualify for free or reduced-cost internet access. Ther are a number of families who have successfully used this process to secure free internet access for their students.
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Grab and Go Food Services - New Times Mon., Tues, Th

Beginning Monday, March 30, the District will provide Grab-and-Go lunch and breakfast from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays at the following locations on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.


  • Robert Heideman Elementary School, 15571 Williams Street

  • A.G. Currie Middle School, 1401 Sycamore Avenue

  • Tustin High School, 1171 El Camino Real

The meals are provided at no cost to all children 18 years and under. Service will be set up as a drive-thru style for pick up; however, walk-ups will be accepted. For more information, call the TUSD Nutrition Services Department at (714) 730-7301, ext. 396.

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Updates of Interest

With all that is changing, we wanted to let you know a few things that may have gone unnoticed.

Physical Fitness Testing and CAASPP testing were canceled per the governor for this year.

AP tests for high school students will be completed in a shortened 45-minute version online and will only cover material through early March.

Summer School is still on for high school either in person (THS) or virtually (PCHS). If anything changes, we'll let you know.

More on Statewide Testing


Due to the unprecedented circumstances surrounding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the California Department of Education (CDE) has suspended State-wide testing for the 2019-2020 academic school year. With school closures and the shift into Distance Learning for students, administration of State-wide Assessments upon the return to school would not be in the best interest of our students. Our main focus is on supporting the mental and socioemotional health of students and ensuring continuity in engaging students through distance learning with their teachers and classes.

Tustin Unified School District will follow CDE guidance and suspend the following State-wide Assessments for the 2019-2020 academic school year:

  • Suspension of CAASPP ELA, Math, and Science testing for grades 3-8 and 11

  • Suspension of Summative ELPAC testing for all LEP students K-12

  • Placing the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) on hold until students return to school

We understand that you may want to continue to support your child in developing skills based on the ELPAC and CAASPP ELA, Math, and Science. TUSD will continue to make available the following resources on our district website:



  • Practice tests, training tests, interim assessments, and Digital Library formative assessment tools and resources for CAASPP

  • Access and links to the resources provided by www.caaspp.org



    Welcome to the CAASPP Website

    Latest News and Tips for the CAASPP Administration. Suspension of summative CAASPP and ELPAC assessments. The California Department of Education (CDE) provided an update in the Assessment Spotlight distributed on March 20, 2020. If your school is closed due to the unprecedented circumstances surrounding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), you should not worry about any statewide testing this ...

    www.caaspp.org




We will work hard to keep you informed of any changes as we receive updated information from CDE regarding State-wide Assessments. Thank you!

9th Grade Class Registration

8th Grade Parents and Students,

We've received some questions regarding high school registration for incoming 9th graders. Here's the latest.

Tustin High School: Counselors will email students directly next week with a presentation on how to select their classes in the Course Request screen in Aeries. THS questions can be sent to cpysher@tustin.k12.ca.us

Foothill High School: An email with attachments and links were sent to students this week directing them to go online through Aeries. Here's a link to a video with steps to complete the process. FHS questions can be sent to dsanchez@tustin.k12.ca.us.

Beckman High School: Beckman is using a similar process as the other high schools with online registration through Aeries. Visit the Beckman counseling website for more information. Any questions can be directed to echarles@tustin.k12.ca.us.

Legacy Magnet Academy: Legacy has a set course schedule. Please contact Principal Harrison if you have any questions a jharrison@tustin.k12.ca.us

Tusin Connect: If you are continuing with us, we've got you covered. Please confirm with Mrs. Dove or Mrs. Erickson (jerickson@tusitn.k12.ca.us) that you will be returning and Mrs. Erickson will insure your schedule is set for the Fall 2020.

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Counselor Corner w/ Mrs. Erickson

Here are some terrific resources for all.


Understanding Coronavirus (this is great for elementary students)


Staying Calm Tips (for parents, MS and HS)


Mindfulness Tips (Weekly Mindfulness podcasts)


*Stay tuned for an email this week launching our Counseling Website. In the meantime, here's a link if you'd like to schedule some time with Mrs. Erickson.

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Behavior Support Weekly Strategy

Establishing routines is especially important for our children during times of uncertainty. The pink chart highlights four essential components of a successful at-home schedule. If you have not already built a schedule together with your child this week I would definitely suggest it.


If you click on this LINK you can access some great visuals and a schedule template that may make next week even better than this week. If you would like to see more tips and tools for creating a successful learning environment at home please check out @backtobehavior on Instagram. I provide daily support and ideas for our TUSD families.

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High School and Middle School Students Utilize Grade Slam

As an additional resource during this time, Grade Slam or now called Paper is available for all your academic courses including prior submission for all of your essays as well as support with English, Math and Science classes. It's an incredible resource. Be sure to use it! For your convenience and for our middle school students that are new to this resource, we've included a parent and student handout as well.

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Our Mission

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