Tustin Connect News
Home of the Mavericks
Volume 6 Issue 22
Happy Friday! What an awesome week at Tustin Connect. Thanks to TCHS senior Jake Kim, our K-8 shed got a complete makeover! Incredible work. The week kicked off with Mrs. Smith and Mr. Fineberg presenting to a packed house at the Independent Study Conference in San Francisco, and the week ended with Mrs. Smith being name Tustin Connect's 2025 Teacher of the Year. Super exciting stuff and so proud to honor Mrs. Smith.
This week is National Counselor week and this Wednesday, February 5th is our Principal/Counselor/ Parent Coffee event. Check out the flyer for more details!
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...
Celebrating Mrs. Smith: Tustin Connect’s 2025 Teacher of the Year!
Please join me in honoring Mrs. Smith who has been named Tustin Connect’s 2025 Teacher of the Year! Chosen by a committee of her peers, Mrs. Smith is recognized for her profound impact on students, her innovative approach, and her leadership at the school, district, and state levels. Her work on Artificial Intelligence and curriculum development has shaped learning experiences beyond our school, and her recent presentation at the CCIS conference inspired educators statewide. Caring, compassionate, and innovative, Mrs. Smith’s dedication to education is unmatched. Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved honor—congratulations, Mrs. Smith!
Next week is National Counselor Week and we have the best one around! Please join me in celebrating Mrs. W next week. She'd love for you to stop by and drop a note of gratitude or a high five! Let's celebrate her. If you are so inclined, she does love herself some White Cheez-Its, funfetti cake, Hazlenut Lattes from Lost Bean, and Sunflowers. Let's shower her with the love she deserves.
This Wednesday, February 5th at 8:30 is our Principal/Counselor/Parent Coffee at 8:30 via Zoom or in-person at the K-8 campus. Check out the flyer for more details. All parents that attend earn a ticket for an approved assignment waived for their student.
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 -
As we enter into 2025, we are starting 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.
Thank you all for you support. Have a terrific week.
Amber
PTA President Tustin Connect
949-521-2364
✍️ Elementary Information ✍️
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TUSD Assessment Window coming soon: The next round of TUSD assessments for all students in Grades K-5 begin in Early March. 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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Math Class Reminders: Please check out Mrs. Dove's Top 5 Friday Update for helpful hints to successful math acheivement. Math can be a challenge in an independent study setting. Check your email as she does a great job laying out some strategies.
Guitar Class for 6-8 Students Started Monday: It's not too late to join our guitar class starting this Monday from 8:30 - 9:30. Guitars will be provided, and middle school classes are every Monday, January 27th through April 21st. Don't miss out! Complete this form 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.
3rd Quarter Schedule: Just a reminder, confirm your Quarter 3 schedule. For the most part, day and times are similar to Quarter 2. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your scheduled courses, please reach out to your advisory teacher or Mrs. Wijnhamer.
Highlights from the past month and upcoming events
It was a super fun Maverick Hangout this week! Thank you to all that joined in the fun. It's also National Counselor Week! Please join in celebrating Mrs. W . We have a Parent Coffee this Wednesday via Zoom or in person at the K-8. We will have OCDE joining us as well. See the flyer for more details. All parents that show in person or virtually will earn a pass for an approved assignment for their student.
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!
January 31: Senior Cap and gown orders due
February 1- TPSF Inaugural Pickleball Tournament
February 3-7: National School Counseling Week
February 3-21: Assessment window K-5
February 5: Principal/Counselor/Parent Coffee
February 14 and 17: No School-Presidents Weekend
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