Tustin Connect News

Issue 35 comes at a great time. We've got back to back TUSD Virtual Film Festivals tonight. Tustin Connect has entries in the primary at 4 pm and secondary festival at 6:30 pm. Please use the links above to view the Film Festivals tonight. This week's picture is from our high school Virtual Art Festival. Super fun! If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Mr. Fineberg, our principal, at efineberg@tustin.k12.ca.us.

Seniors, reminder that this coming Friday, May 22nd from 11-1 pm is the time to turn in your device and pick up your diploma. If you did not get your yard sign or cap and gown yet, that is your opportunity to get those items as well.

We are heading into the home stretch and want to thank you for your continued support. Exciting news as we welcome back Mrs. McCourtney from maternity leave for the last two weeks of school. We want to thank Mrs. Weldon for doing an awesome job! High Schoolers, keep in mind that all work is due today, Friday, May 15th. At the high school, the final two weeks will include enrichment activities. For K-8 students, you will continue to receive assignment sheets through the end of the year. As always, let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns. efineberg@tustin.k12.ca.us

COVID-19 Update for Parents and Guardians – May 15, 2020

From Gregory A. Franklin, Ed.D., Superintendent

Tustin Unified School District

Mental Health Awareness Month

Dear Tustin Unified Families:

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s just in time! The stay-at-home process, the extraordinary precautions of personal protective equipment, the closures of schools, shops, restaurants and entertainment venues, and the accompanying economic hardships have placed a burden on our entire community. We understand the resulting stress takes a toll on both children and adults. Mental health awareness has never been more important.

Chronic stress has significant long-term effects on our health and ability to learn. All of us – children and adults – can follow some simple guidelines the Center for Disease Control and other experts agree can help us manage the stress of day-to-day life, AND our current situation. Learning to manage stress is an important part of having a successful life, and is crucial during this pandemic. The tips include:

• Set and follow a daily routine.
• Take breaks from watching and reading news about the pandemic.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Eat healthy, balanced meals.
• Exercise.
• Get outside for fresh air.
• Connect with friends and loved ones, even if by telephone.

The Tustin Unified School District recognizes that sometimes many of us need additional help in dealing with stress and anxiety. That is why we provide Care Solace as a free resource to the District community. Care Solace is an online resource with a live 24/7 concierge that assists in finding local mental-health-related programs and counseling services. Care Solace's web-based system works alongside our multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) as a tool for school staff and families to connect with community-based mental healthcare resources and providers.

TUSD staff and families may access Care Solace services by calling (888) 515-0595 or visiting www.caresolace.com/tustinfamilies. Answer 10 easy questions to receive an extensive list of referrals to applicable care providers. Care Solace takes into account all types of private insurance including Medi-Cal, Medicaid, and Medicare, as well as those who have no insurance. Care Solace is now available for use by District students, staff, and families at no cost. Care Solace does not require a name, address, phone number, or date of birth. All information entered on the Care Solace tool is completely confidential and securely stored.

Student wellness is a high priority in Tustin Unified. In addition to the tips above and Care Solace, please visit the District’s web page – Social Emotional Learning at Home – for additional resources. We are all hopeful we can begin face-to-face classes and support in the 2020-21 school year. In the meantime, please take care of yourselves and your loved ones.

Senior and 8th Grade Pictures

We wanted to update everyone on how they can view their Senior and 8th grade pictures. The Lifetouch labs have been shut down as a nonessential business, but you can either call the Call center at 800-736-4753 or go online to MYLIFETOUCH.com to view the pictures.

The first step is to go online or call to get your student's access code to view the files.

1) Go to mylifetouch.com

2) Click on the LIVE CHAT blue button under the contact information in the bottom left-hand side of the screen.

3) Fill in your name, number, and add the Picture day ID number (EVT22XXM3) and type: Can I get the Access Code for my student?

4) They will ask you some questions to verify your relationship for security reasons.

5) Then they will provide the access credentials for you to view the images.

or

If you choose to call to get the access code, you will need to give the event number.

8th-grade event number is EVTKFCBJK

12th-grade event number is EVTTQ3ZZS

Then follow the prompts:

press 6 (K-11th grade students)

press 1 Lifetouch school portraits

press 1 to speak with someone and listen to the message

There may be a long wait time if you use the phone option. Online access code retrieval above is faster.

For ordering:

Enter portrait ID and Access code

Select package

Click the CHANGE button under each sheet to see different backgrounds and additional pose options.

When finished and all items are in your cart and you are at the payment stage, enter your home shipping address to complete the order.

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