Tustin Connect News
Home of the Mavericks
Volume 6 Issue 17
We are heading into the home stretch with one more week until Winter Break. Keep up the good work. We've got Minnie the therapy dog coming on Monday through Hope Squad and pizza for finals week at the high school and Maverick Hangout on Wednesday at the K-8. Lots to look forward to in addition to an upcoming 2 week break.
This week's background features some great holiday pictures with our students as well as our 7th grade students creating biomes in a jar, and super exciting work from Mrs. McCourtney's students as they are working to incorporate AI to support their learning. It's incredible technology and Mrs. McCourtney has really embraced the benefits and supporting our students to use it productively to support their own writing. Great stuff!
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...
We learned late Thursday afternoon that we have the green light to add a guitar class for our middle school students and high school students 2nd semester. The middle school offering will begin January 27th and run through April 21st on Mondays from 8:30 to 9:30 with asynchronous practice opportunities outside of the Monday class time. The high school course will be for credit in the 4th quarter on Tuesdays from 8:30-9:30. Due to space and supplies limitations, the course will be for the first 20 students that enroll. Mrs. Lindsay Fisk, the current music teacher at Sycamore Middle School will be teaching the courses. More details to follow, but wanted to share the good news as soon as possible.
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,
There's still time to fill your last minute holiday wish lists with the purchase of a 2024-25 Spirit Wear Shirt while supplies last. It's only $10 per shirt and it's awesome. Just swing by the office to get yours! As the semester comes to an end, we are excited to be sponsoring the Maverick Hangout and Pizza for finals at the high school. Just more examples of your generous donations at work.
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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Lab Times: Parents, please check your emails as we needed to adjust lab times for our elementary students. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate the support provided. We have been able to provide supplemental lab times during this first semester, but unfortunately, were unable to maintain it through 2nd semester. Please reach out to Mr. Fineberg (efineberg@tustin.k12.ca.us) with any questions.
5th Grade Philharmonic: January 27th, all 5th grade students have the opportunity to attend a Philharmonic show at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Students will travel via school bus leaving Estock at 8:15 am and returning around 11:15 am. Interested students should let Mrs. McCourtney know if they are planning to attend.
😃Middle School Information😃
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Biomes at the MS: This week, our 7th graders created biomes in a jar. It was great to see them take them home as we look forward to seeing them grow and develop in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.
Guitar Class: As mentioned in Mr. Fineberg's principal message, we will be offering a guitar class on Mondays from 8:30 - 9:30. Guitars will be provided and classes will start on January 27th. Stay tuned for more details to come.
👍 High School Information 👍
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End of Quarter/Semester: It's finals week! As a reminder, be sure to stay on top of the work and get caught up as we don't have flexibility to receive late work once the quarter/semester ends. For you procrastinators, it's go time!
Senior Caps and Gowns: It's that time! Seniors, please be sure to order your cap, gown, and tassel, for graduation. Check out the flyer for all of the details! Don't delay as orders are due no later than January 31st.
UCI NICU Book Drive
We are excited to support 6th grade Isaiah's involvement in the UCI NICU Holiday book drive. Please see the flyer below for details. There will be a box in the K-8 office to collect your donations.
TPSF Inaugural Pickleball Tournament
Get ready for some fun on the court! 🏓 Join the Tustin Public Schools Foundation for their Inaugural Pickleball Tournament on February 1, 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, this event has something for everyone! Proceeds support programs benefiting Tustin students. Visit https://tustinpsf.schoolauction.net/pickleball/homepages/show to learn more and register. Let’s rally for a great cause! Registration opens Sunday, December 8th at 8AM!”
Highlights from the past month and upcoming events
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.
December Counseling Highlights
K-3 Minute Meetings!
7th Grade Habit #3 Lesson from our “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” Lesson Series
8th Grade Lesson #3 from our “Stress Management” Lesson Series
7th-8th Minute Meetings!
11th Grade- Junior Grad Checks
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 yrs)
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!
December 18: Pizza for Finals Week @ 11:30 am at the HS
December 18: Maverick Hangout
December 19: End of 1st Semester
December 20-January 5th: Winter Break
January 31: Senior Cap and gown orders due
February 1- TPSF Inaugural Pickleball Tournament
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