Tustin Connect News
Home of the Mavericks
Volume 6 Issue 14
Week 14 in the books. We had a great week! The high school students did some dusting for fingerprints as part of their forensic science class and our 8th graders turned in their history projects. Super fun! Next week and we are in Fall Break. The year is flying by!
This week's background features pictures of the 8th grade social science student projects wrapping up the unit on America's journey to independence. Great job 8th graders!
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...
As we approach the Middle of the Year Assessment window for all of our students, it's a great time to remind you all how we use the assessments and the information it provides. The running record or Literably assessment where students read a passage into their iPad and it records them, is an indicator of where a student can access text independently and helpful for teachers to measure growth and insight into next steps to take instructionally. The information tells us if your student is "below grade level" "at grade level" or "above or grade level." It provides guidance as to what students are able to do as readers and characteristics that they are working on. A sample of which is included: Characteristics of Text Bands: Parent Copy Characteristics of Text Bands: Parent Copy (SPANISH)
Additionally, if you feel so inclined, there is a drive to provide pajamas to families in need in the city of Tustin. Please check out the flyer regarding additional information.
For those planners out there, here is a link to the 2025-26 school year calendar. It can also be found at the bottom of the newsletter.
If you have any questions, compliments, ideas, and/or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out at (714) 430-2052 ext. 52103 or efineberg@tustin.k12.ca.us.
Mr. Fineberg
PTA Round Up
Hello Maverick Families,
Make sure you get your new Spirit Wear! Only $10 per shirt and it's awesome. Just swing by the office to get yours!
We continue to make progress toward our fundraising goal. We are 42% toward our goal and would love your support. Visit Tustin Connect PTA and our Maverick 180 campaign to learn more and be a supporter.
✍️ Elementary Information ✍️
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K-5 Standards: As we approach the end of the first trimester next Friday, this is a good time to remind you all that you can find the standards teachers base their instruction off of using the links below.
K-2 ELA | K-2 ELA Spanish K-2 Math | K-2 Math Spanish
3-5 ELA | 3-5 ELA Spanish 3-5 Math | 3-5 Math Spanish
Additionally, TC is committed to every student leaving TC with the following Schoolwide Learner Outcomes.
Maverick Hangout: Next Wednesday, November 20th, will be our Maverick Hangout. We have an awesome Fall Craft for students as well as a chance to hang out with their peers in all the classrooms. It's also the first Hangout since Mrs. W is back! So fun! You won't want to miss it, so be sure to mark your calendars for this Wednesday, November 20th from 12:30 to 1 pm.
😃Middle School Information😃
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TEST CORRECTIONS: Students who need to do test corrections for a recent test in 7th or 8th grade, Monday in-person lab times from 10-12 is the perfect time. Students completing any test corrections must engage in error analysis as well as revisiting and refining prior knowledge before showing mastery of the concept.
Social Studies Projects: Kudos to the 8th grade students on a terrific job with their social studies projects. As you could see from the background from this week's newsletter, the students did a great job! Way to go Mavericks!
IXL Benchmark Practice: As a reminder, 7th and 8th graders received information based on their IXL diagnostic results in early in the year. Students have been working on specific skill gaps identified through this diagnostic. They will be finishing the skill gap practice in the next week. Please check in with your student so that they can show you their progress on these skills. IXL provides support tools through their "Learn with Example" and "Watch a Video" options on the question page. Also, please encourage them to check in with Mrs. Dove if they need any direct instruction for the skill.
👍 High School Information 👍
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Seniors, College Workshop #3: Thursday, November 21st from 9-10 am in Room 31 will be the 3rd and final workshop where students will have the opportunity to Polish Their Application and prepare it for submission.
IVC Spotlight Week: Irvine Valley College (IVC) would like to send a special invite to all high school students to participate in IVC Virtual Spotlight Week. Spotlight Week is a virtual informational series tailored for our local high school students, parents, and guardians. Daily sessions will be offered virtually starting Monday, November 18th, from 4:30 pm to 5:30pm, covering a new college topic each day. You can attend one or all sessions. Please see the flyer for more details and to register.
ROP Class Registration Opened: ROP classes that offer a variety of courses that include automotive technology, Crime Scene Investigation, Digital Art, Pharmacy Tech, and more! Check out this flyer to learn more including registration windows.
Counselor Corner: Resources and link to workshops and more!!!
If you'd like to connect with Mrs. Wijnhamer, feel free to reach out at rwijnhamer@tustin.k12.ca.us.
In case you missed the last Principal/Counselor Coffee and PTA meeting where we learned more about Executive functioning and got some great strategies for parents and students, you can watch the presentation which begins at 29 minutes and 11 seconds of the meeting.
As shared previously, our Mental Health Specialist, Mrs. J has a couple of great resources for our families. She'll be talking more about them in the coming months as Principal/Counselor Coffees get started. In the meantime, this is some great stuff for families.
From Mrs. J:
I wanted to share some free resources available for our students and families.
The first is a free online parenting course tailored to the age and the specific behavioral challenges of the child (0-18 yrs)
The second resource is also free and provides in the moment one on one coaching when the maladaptive behaviors come up as well as tutorials (0-12 yrs)
The positive parenting program that's already used in 40+ U.S. states
Help your kid reach their potential and take on challenges while improving your confidence too - with positive parenting support from Triple P.
https://www.hellobrightline.com/brightlifekids/
BrightLife Kids - A CalHope Program by Brightline
Brightline brings support to kids and families for everyday challenges and behavioral health conditions.
Check out Mrs. Wijnhamer's Monthly Counselor Newsletter.
Our Counselor and Mental Health team have a great website with lots of resources to check out.
Free Online Tutoring Available for K-12 Students
Brainfuse HelpNow is an on demand, anytime, anywhere eLearning platform available for all ages and levels. Last week, it was announced that every Californian can now access free online tutoring available 24/7 through a new initiative offering homework help in every K-12 subject and skill-building resources for K-12 and adult learners.
Real-time homework assistance can now be accessed 24/7 here and on the websites of any of the 1,130 local public libraries around the state – click on the “HelpNow” link to reach a one-on-one tutor. The pilot program led by the State Library offers assistance in Math, Language Arts, and other core K-12 subjects in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog. There’s no age limit to who can use the service. Adult learners can also access writing assistance, citizenship resources and other tools.
Technology Questions/Needs - There's Help Available!
Important Upcoming Dates - Please check our school Website Calendar for all the latest!
November 20: Maverick Hangout
November 21: Senior College Workshop #3 9-10 am
November 25-29: Fall/Thanksgiving Break
December 19: End of 1st Semester
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