Tustin Connect News
Home of the Mavericks
Volume 6 Issue 23
It was another busy week at Tustin Connect. We got to celebrate Mrs. Wijnhamer as part of Counselor Appreciation Week as well as hosted our Principal/Counselor/Parent Coffee, and PTA meeting on Wednesday. Good stuff for sure. If you missed the coffee, we had a great presentation from OCDE on tobacco and the dangers of vaping as well as a Q and A session regarding all things Tustin Connect.
This week's background features pictures of Jake's work on the shed, Mrs. Smith and Mr. Fineberg's presentations, and Mrs. Smith and her family as we celebrated her recognition as Tustin Connect's 2025 Teacher of the Year.
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...
Thank you to all the parents that joined our principal coffee this Wednesday. For those that were unable to attend, I thought I'd provide you with an update below.
Celebrating Our Successes!
We are proud to recognize the hard work and achievements of our Tustin Connect community:
Teacher of the Year: Congratulations to Stephanie Smith for her dedication and excellence in education!
Black History Month: We honor and celebrate the rich history and contributions of Black leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
Little/Big Buddies Program: Mrs. Maeda and Mrs. Dove continue to foster mentorship and connection between younger and older students.
Course Registration for 9th-11th Graders: It’s time to plan for next year! Students should schedule an appointment with Mrs. W for guidance.
Middle School High School Orientations: High school orientations for middle school students are coming this March!
Parent Q&A Highlights
Thank you for submitting your questions! Here are some key responses:
Q: Can we organize fundraisers at places like Chipotle, Blaze Pizza, or Urban Air to support PTA?
A: Absolutely! PTA can sponsor such events. If interested, contact our PTA President at ambermweiser@gmail.com.
Q: What mental health resources are available for students?
A: We offer parent coffee sessions, student small groups, and one-on-one support. Contact Mrs. W or Mrs. J for more details.
Q: What clubs and group activities are available?
A: Our high school offers TPSF Teens Club, California Scholastic Federation, and Hope Squad. Reach out to Mrs. W or your advisory teacher to join!
Q: Does TC offer Work Experience as an elective?
A: Yes! Students can earn credits based on their weekly work hours. For details, contact our counseling office.
Q: How does TC support College & Career Exploration?
A: Mrs. W provides lessons for all students, individual appointments, and seniors receive dedicated college application support.
Q: Can a TC student get into an Ivy League school?
A: Yes! Success comes from telling your story, seizing opportunities, and working hard. Stay connected with Mrs. W for guidance.
Q: When is the graduation ceremony?
A: Mark your calendars! Graduation will take place on May 29th at 3 PM at THS Stadium.
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 Tustin Connect Family -
This past Wednesday, Feberuary 5th, was our PTA Meeting. Thank you to all that were able to attend. We reviewed upcoming budget, elected Analee Bradley as our PTA Auditor, and discussed some possible options for mid year fundraising to make up the difference between what we raised this year and what we projected. We also continue to plan our PTA team for the 25/26 school year. We have multiple positions available within the PTA that require very little time and commitment. Since we are a smaller school, our events and time requirements are minimal, but so important to our school.
Having a PTA enables our school to receive the support needed to provide students and staff with events, trips, graduations, and so much more. Most importantly, it only exists with our help.
TC PTA would greatly appreciate your assistance. If you are interested in learning more about the available positions, please email me or contact me at 949-521-2364 or ambermweiser@gmail.com.
Thank you all for you support. Have a terrific week.
Amber
PTA President Tustin Connect
949-521-2364
✍️ Elementary Information ✍️
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Final Week of Attendance Period: This was the final week of the attendance period so please take a moment to review your child's scores on Schoology to ensure all assignments from month 6 are submitted by the end of the day. If anything needs revision, assignments will remain posted until the end of next week.
TUSD Assessment Window is Here: Thank you for sending your students with charged iPads. The students are doing great as they navigate through the assessments. Having charged iPads is a helpful piece. In Month 8, our 3rd-5th graders begin preparing for their state CAASPP testing. More information will be coming soon to our parents, so please watch for that.
Valentine's Day Approaching: With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, we ask that you follow a few guidelines.
- Bring enough Valentine's Cards for all classmates
- Try to choose nonedible treats as many of our students have significant food allergies/dietary restrictions.
- If you do bring in edible treats, they must be clearly labeled with the ingredients and pre-packaged.
😃Middle School Information😃
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8th Graders : 8th Grade Students and Parents, please take a moment to complete this quick survey where you can add all your questions about high school and next steps. This is a great spot to put in all your wonderings ahead of Mrs. W's formal presentation on March 27th.
Guitar Class for 6-8 Students Started Monday: It's not too late to join our guitar class on Mondays from 8:30 - 9:30. Guitars are provided with middle school classes every Monday through April 21st. Don't miss out! Reach out to your teacher or Mr. Fineberg to reserve your spot.
PAL Club Has Started: Peer Assistance Leadership " is a school-based, peer-to-peer youth development program built upon the philosophy of students helping students." If your child is interested in helping their peers and promoting a positive culture at Tustin Connect, please encourage them to join. Our PAL Club will meet twice a month on Mondays from 12:15-1:15.
👍 High School Information 👍
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CA Scholarship Federation Applications Open: CSF membership applications for spring of 2025 are now open. The application will close on February 7th. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Wijnhamer or your advisory teacher.
Internship Opportunities: In addition to the Tustin Summer Academy internships, the TUSD has a variety of opportunities as well. Check out the website for more information. There are lots of opportunities for TUSD students. Make sure you take advantage.
Tustin Student Film Festival: Continuing a tradition, TUSD is sponsoring an annual Student Film Festival. Please take a moment to check out this flyer to learn more about the Festival, categories and ways you can submit your work. Deadline to submit is February 28th.
Pre Calc/Trig 2025-26: In partnership with Irvine Valley College, Tustin Connect is able to provide eligible students with the opportunity to take upper division math classes through a part-time dual enrollment program. In this model, an IVC professor teaches our Tustin Connect students in an online, synchronous platform and Tustin Connect staff proctor in-person exams.
Students who register for one of these courses will earn both high school and college credit for successful completion of the class!
If you are interested in taking an upper level math course through our IVC partnership program please fill out this google form. Eligible students are those who have successfully completed Alg 2 / Trig.
Once we receive an accurate head count of students planning on taking a math course, Mr. Fineberg and I will meet with our IVC representative to properly plan for the 2025-2026 school year."
Food Drive In Honor of Mrs. Maeda's dad. Collection Box in the front office.
Let's show our kindness by donating to the 2025 San Dimas Rotary Foundation Military Families Food Drive. Bring any items and place them in the box in the front office all month long…
Donation Deadline: March 7
Items Needed: (See flyer for complete list- Please check expiration dates on items)
- Canned foods
- Dry foods
- Toiletries
- Baby items
- See flyer for more specific items needed…
Thank you for supporting military families!
Highlights from the past month and upcoming events
For those of you that missed the Parent Coffee this Wednesday via Zoom or in person at the K-8, we will have one next month. Here's a copy of the slides. During the meeting, Mrs. J shared a list of books that address Social Emotional Learning (SEL). It is a great list. You can check it out using this link.
Mrs. W is happy to connect! Her role is to support students in their academics, social and emotional wellness and college and career readiness. Feel free to reach out at: rwijnhamer@tustin.k12.ca.us.
Upcoming Counseling Events
4-6 Minute Meetings!
4th-6th Social Skills counseling small group
6th-11th Account Creation with CaliforniaColleges.edu
9th-10th Grade “Strengthening Executive Functioning” counseling small group
9th-10th Interest Profiler on California Colleges
Mrs. J is a talented, licensed therapist who serves as a mental health specialist for Tustin Connect and supports students in their well being.
Resources from our wonderful Mental Health Specialist, Mrs. J:
Free Online Parenting Course tailored to the age and the specific behavioral challenges of the child (0-18 years)
Positive Parenting Program tailored to building your child’s confidence in taking on new challenges
Brightline provides mental health for kids and parenting support for parents. Brightline support to kids and families for everyday challenges and behavioral health conditions.
Technology Questions/Needs - There's Help Available!
Important Upcoming Dates - Please check our school Website Calendar for all the latest!
February 3-21: Assessment window K-5
February 5: Principal/Counselor/Parent Coffee
February 14 and 17: No School-Presidents Weekend
February 21: School Site Council Meeting #3
March 27: Tustin Connect MS to HS Orientation
March 27: Tustin Connect MS to HS Orientation
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