Tustin Connect News

Issue 13 is ready for everyone to see. Lots of updates on 6-12 report cards, Red Ribbon Week and more. This week's background comes from some classrooms from a recent walk around both the B Street and San Juan Street campuses this week. The pictures reflect the diverse ways we are bringing the content to our students. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Mr. Fineberg, our principal, at efineberg@tustin.k12.ca.us.

As I walked through campus this week, it was incredible to see the diversity of instructional delivery we had 1:1 social distanced meetings, teachers teaching both in-person and live simultaneously, as well as high school students working independently in a safe, monitored, responsible manner. These times aren't easy, but what I'm so proud of is the flexibility and skill of our teachers to meet students and families wherever they are at. We are pretty darn lucky! On a side note, Elementary Parents, please be sure to check the message below and remember to complete the Elementary Return to School Survey. 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

Gifted and Talented Education (GATE): The Tustin Unified School District will screen and identify second- through eighth-grade students for GATE this school year. The screening includes a cognitive test (OLSAT or NNAT) which will be administered in person. Social distancing and paper quarantine guidelines will be followed to keep students and staff safe. Please click HERE for a GATE Screening Information Screencast. Here are the English Presentation Slides/Spanish Presentation Slides.

To register your child to screen for GATE, please complete the Consent to Test Form linked HERE by Thursday, October 29, at 4:30 p.m.

Students who have already been identified GATE in Tustin Unified maintain their eligibility and do not need to screen again.

TUSD, in partnership with Vital Link, is proud to offer it’s first ever virtual College and Career Fair. This event will be open to all TUSD students and families. The virtual fair will offer opportunities for students to learn about over 150 colleges and universities, as well as engage with industry professionals in a variety of sectors. The event will take place virtually from 4PM-6PM November 9,10,12, and 13, 2020. In order to access the virtual College and Career Fair, students must register through a protected portal.

A schedule of events is below. All sessions will be recorded and remain available for all students who registered to attend the event.

Workbook For Young Children to Cope w/ the Pandemic: Check out this workbook for some resources to support young children as they navigate through the pandemic.

A Healthy Approach to College Admission Tuesday, October 27th at 5 pm - What do college rankings really measure?

- Are students who attend higher-ranked colleges better off later in life?
- What is “fit” and why does it matter?
Learn strategies to help reduce pressure around the college admissions process and ways to support students' well-being and readiness for life in college and beyond. With the pandemic inserting more uncertainty into this process, we will include a Q&A at the end to answer some of your most pressing questions. Click here for more information and to register.

Navigating School During Uncertain Times Thursday, November 12th @ 5 pm How can parents best support the personal and academic needs of their children while also attending to their own professional and family needs? In this presentation, caregivers will learn how they can establish a healthier home environment for their school-aged child, reduce academic stress without sacrificing achievement, and increase resilience, creativity, and well-being. Click here for more information and to register.

Red Ribbon Week: Week of October 26-30

State of the Schools: October 28th at 4 pm. Click here to register.

1st Trimester Ends K-5: November 6

Veteran's Day: No School Wednesday, November 11th

Make-Up Picture Day: November 19th

Thanksgiving Break: November 23-27

We understand that new technology can be frustrating. We are doing our best to get resources out to make the transition as smooth as possible. To that end, we have created a dedicated space on our school website to help answer any questions you may have as well as contact information for our community technology helpdesk. Please visit us at https://www.tustin.k12.ca.us/tustin-connect/resources/technology

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