Tustin High School News
Week of January 29, 2024
CELEBRATIONS
THS Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to Mrs. Abbey Zinsser, our 2024 Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Zinsser has been teaching at THS since 2010. She currently teaches Chemistry, AP Chemistry and serves as Science Dept Chair. Mrs. Zinsser earned her National Board Certification in 2023 and is an incredible teacher, leader and colleague. In her free time, Mrs. Zinsser enjoys traveling, escape rooms and hanging out with family, friends and her two dogs.
Our other Teacher of the Year nominees for 2023-24 are: Ms. Azimioara, Coach Bossenmeyer, Ms. Douglas, Ms.Gray, and Mr. Miguel. We are lucky to have so many incredible teachers at THS!
100th Win by Coach Najera
Congratulations to Boys Soccer Coach Hector Najera, who had the 100th win of his coaching career last Monday against Cypress! Coach Najera, aka Coach Mate, also works at THS as our School Social Worker, working with students and families on academic, attendance, behavioral and mental health support. He is a coach, mentor and teacher to many on campus. Congratulations, Coach Mate, and thank you for making a difference at THS!
December Perfect Attendance
Congratulations to the Tillers who had Perfect Attendance in December! Students were invited to an Extended Snack and got to choose a sticker to decorate their water bottle, or laptop! Twenty-five lucky students were randomly selected to receive a pair of PJs, courtesy of the Tustin Community Foundation. Great job, Tillers, for having no tardies and no unexcused absences!
T-Tech Newsletter
Please click HERE for the T-Tech Winter Newsletter to learn about all the great things happening in T-Tech! Our students and alumni are doing incredible things!
TILLER NEWS TODAY- January 29, 2024
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Monday, January 29
- Voter Registration through Feb 2
- Boy's Volleyball Parent Meeting-Sports Pavilion-7:00pm
Tuesday, January 30
- Boys Basketball vs Valencia-FR 3:15pm, JV 4:45pm, V 6:15pm
- Boys Soccer vs Valencia-FS 3:15pm,JV 3:15pm, V 5:00pm
- Girls Basketball @ Valencia-FR-3:15pm, JV-4:45pm, V-6:15pm
- Girls Soccer @ Valencia-JV 3:15pm, V 5:00pm
- ELPAC Prep Session @3:45-5:45 pm (Room 322)
- 4:00-8:00pm-Choir Fundraiser at Chipotle (see attached flyers)
Wednesday, January 31 - LATE START BELL SCHEDULE
- Girls Water Polo vs Cypress-3:15
- Course Shopping Fair during Lunch
- Family Art Night @ 5:30-7:00 pm
Thursday, February 1
- TUSD Honor Band @ Beckman HS
- Boys Basketball @ Crean Lutheran-FR 3:15pm, JV 4:45pm, V6:15pm
- Boys Soccer @ Crean Lutheran-FS 3:15pm,JV 3:15pm, V 5:00pm
- Girls Basketball vs Crean Lutheran-FR-3:15pm, JV-4:45pm, V-6:15pm
- Girls Soccer vs Crean Lutheran-FS 3:00pm,JV 3:00pm, V 5:00pm
Friday, February 2
- Honor Roll Celebration during Lunch
- Boys Wrestling League Finals @ Valencia HS
- 8:00am-12:00pm-SAC Financial Aid Help-Room 806
- 8:00am-12:00pm-Saturday School
- 8:00am-11:00am- Tillers on Track Freshmen Saturday Support
- 9:00am-12:00pm-ELPAC Prep-Room 322
- Boys Wrestling League Finals @ Valencia HS
- Tustin Boys Volleyball Off Season Tournament-Old Gym/Sports Pavilion
LATE START BELL SCHEDULE FOR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31
Restaurant Fundraiser for Choir at Chipotle
Please support Choir in fundraising for buses to attend their Spring Festival! Come to Chipotle on Tuesday, January 30, between 4-8 pm. 33% of your purchase will be donated to Choir. Show this flyer in person or use code D8JDCRA with your online order!
Lunchtime Tutoring
TPSF Dino Dash Logo Contest
TPSF is sponsoring the Dino Dash 2024 logo contest for middle and high school students in TUSD. Students have an opportunity to design a logo for the 2024 Dino Dash. The winning logo will be selected by the Dino Dash Steering Committee.
- The winning artist will receive a $500 prize!
- The winning artist’s teacher/department will receive a $500 prize!
- The design is due to TPSF by February 28, 2024!
All submissions are due to TPSF online by February 28, 2024
2024-25 TUSD LCAP SURVEY
Dear TUSD Families,
The Tustin Unified School District values parent/guardian perspectives and is committed to engaging parents and guardians in the process of developing goals and actions for the 2024-25 Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP).
The Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) is California’s formula for determining the level of state funding provided to districts to provide for their state-supported general and supplemental programs. The Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) is LCFF’s vehicle for transparency and engagement.
The goal of the engagement and planning process is to gather feedback on the design and implementation of the district’s priorities for the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), guiding how to best allocate funding and resources for the 2024-25 academic school year. To accomplish this, we are gathering TUSD family input through the administration of the 2024-25 Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) Survey.
Let us know what is most important to you in your child’s education by completing this survey! We hope that you participate and respond to this survey by February 16, 2024. For instructions on how to access the Parent Square survey click here: English / Spanish
COUNSELING
Wondering when you will select your courses for next year?
Counselors will be going into English Classrooms to discuss registration procedures and process soon. Every student will meet 1:1 with their counselor from February 13th to March 1st to discuss and select courses for the 2024-25 school year.
Jan 29 - 31 Junior Class Presentations (Rising Seniors)
Jan 31 Course Shopping Fair @ Lunch
Feb 1 – 2 Sophomore Class Presentations (Rising Juniors)
Feb 5 - 7 Freshmen Class Presentations (Rising Sophomores)
Feb 13 – 16 Junior Student Meetings in Counseling Office (Rising Seniors)
Feb 20 – 23 Sophomore Student Meetings in Counseling Office (Rising Juniors)
Feb 26 – Mar 1 Freshmen Student Meetings in Counseling Office (Rising Sophomores)
Mar 11 – Apr 9 Middle School Orientation/Registration
For Seniors Attending IVC Next Year
Seniors, need help enrolling for Irvine Valley College next fall? A counselor and matriculation specialist will be on campus during CCR on January 17 and 31st to help any senior who needs assistance. Please stop by Rm 806 during CCR!
Financial Aid Workshops for Seniors
#SENIORSEVERYTHING
Seniors and families, for a one-stop shop on all the info pertaining to end of year Senior Activities, please visit our #SENIORSEVERYTHING web page on the THS website, under the "Families & Community" tab or click on the image below.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Tustin Area Woman’s Club
The Tustin Area Woman’s Club (“TAWC”) awards a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior at each of the Tustin Unified School District high schools who is planning to continue her post-secondary education.
To be eligible to apply, you must be a senior student and must plan to enroll in an accredited post-secondary institution.
If you wish to apply, please contact your counselor. You must complete and assemble parts 1-3 of the Student Scholarship Application package and return it to your counselor by March 1, 2024. Your counselor will then complete the Counselor Recommendation, and submit the entire package of materials to the TAWC representative by March 7, 2024.
TPSF Scholarships
Many of these scholarships are awarded to only THS seniors. Below are the scholarships that may and have usually been awarded to our students. Many funded by current/former THS staff members and alumni. Please share and encourage them to apply. Applications are available online. For many of our students, these scholarships can determine their plan for next year.
- Centennial Scholarship (THS only)
- Cesar Altamirano Aquatics Scholarship (THS only)
- Tillers of ’82 Scholarship (THS only)
- Soroptimist Scholarship
- Lambert Elementary School Scholarship
- Ryan Watanabe Memorial Scholarship for Scholar Athletes (THS only)
- Ian Williamson “I WILL” Memorial Scholarship (THS only)
- Benson Elementary School Scholarship
2024 HSF Scholar Program Application is now open and closes on February 15, 2024, 5:00 PM PT
The 2024 HSF Scholar Program Application is now open and closes on February 15, 2024,
5:00 PM PT. We encourage you to share this opportunity with your child.
- Every year, HSF selects 10,000 outstanding students as HSF Scholars from a broad and talented pool of applicants
- HSF Scholars have access to a full range of invaluable Scholar Support Services, including career services, mentorship, leadership development, knowledge building, and wellness training
- Career services include access to select internship and job opportunities with HSF corporate partners
- HSF Scholars are eligible to apply for all Scholar Conferences including, the STEM Summit, Finance Conference, Media & Entertainment Summit, Entrepreneurship Summit, and Healthcare Summit
- Exclusive access to the HSF Insider which shares invaluable information and career opportunities
- Finally, and importantly, HSF awards more than $30 million in Scholarships annually and, depending upon available funds, HSF Scholars may also be eligible to receive a scholarship, which range from $500-$5,000 and are awarded directly to students
Deadline: February 15, 2024, 5:00 PM PT
Eligibility:
- Must be of Hispanic heritage
- U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or DACA
- Minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for high school students; minimum of 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for college and graduate students
- Plan to enroll full-time in an accredited, public or not-for-profit, four-year university, or graduate school, in the U.S., for the 2024-2025 academic year
- Submit the FAFSA or state-based financial aid forms (if applicable)
About HSF:
HSF empowers families with the knowledge and resources to successfully complete a higher education, while providing scholarships and support services to as many exceptional students as possible.
Founded in 1975, HSF has awarded over $730 million in scholarships. HSF Scholars have access to valuable Scholar Support Services and, as funding permits, scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000.
Additional Important Information:
- It takes an average of 30 minutes for students to complete Phase I of the 2024 HSF Scholar Program Application
- No essays, recommendations, or document uploads are required in Phase I
- To get started, visit HSF.net and log into or create your myHSF profile to access the HSF Scholar Program Application
HSF Scholar Application Timeline:
- January – Phase I of the application opened January 1 and closes on February 15, 2024, 5:00 PM PT
- Late February – Applicants are evaluated and the most competitive are selected as Finalists
- March 1 – Finalists are announced and asked to submit essays, recommendations, transcripts, FAFSA, and other related documents
- June – HSF Scholars are announced (includes both funded and Scholars waitlisted for funding)
- June to November – Final Document Verification (financial aid award letter, enrollment verification, and related documents)
- December – 10,000 HSF Scholars are confirmed after the verification process is complete
2024 ELPAC PREP WORKSHOPS
The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) is a statewide assessment for students who are classified as English Learners. All English Learners must take the ELPAC, even if they are not currently taking an ELD class. ELPAC testing will run from February 5 - March 15, or until all students have been tested. ELPAC scores can affect a student's elective courses and it's important for students to do their best on this exam.
Students who are taking ELD or Language & Academic Support have been preparing for ELPAC all year through their classes. Students who opted out of ELD are strongly encouraged an ELPAC Preparation Workshops on January 30 (3:45-5:45 pm) OR February 3 from 9 am to 12 pm in Room 322.
- Sign up for either session WITH THIS LINK. Spots are limited, so sign up early!
- Learn focused strategies and tips to help you do your best!
- Students who attend the entire workshop will clear FIVE DETENTION HOURS
- Pizza will be served at the end of each session!
COMMUNITY EVENTS & INFO
Fetanyl Prevention Workshop
In collaboration with our TUSD high schools, we'd like to share another amazing parent workshop opportunity! The topic is on Fentanyl Prevention, and it will be facilitated by Orange County Health Care Agency at Foothill High School. Parents will learn about the risk of Fentanyl, prevention strategies, and resources to help keep your family safe. Join us for this 1-hour workshop presented in English on Tuesday, 01/30/24 from 5:30pm-6:30pm at Foothill High School. If you have any questions, you may contact Claire Skomsvold (cskomsvold@tustin.k12.ca.us). Hope to see you there!
Tustin Student Film Festival
Do you have an amazing idea for a short film? Tustin Student Film Festival is accepting films from all TUSD Middle and High School Students! Make sure you submit your masterpiece by March 1st, and good luck! To learn more, see fliers below and follow @tustinfilmfestival on Instagram!
E-Vehicle Permits
Dear Tiller Community,
As we prepare for next school year, we want to inform you of a new requirement for students who ride e-vehicles (bikes, scooters, one wheels, etc.) to campus. Beginning next year, a permit will be mandatory for bringing e-vehicles onto school premises.
To obtain the permit, students must attend a one-hour e-vehicle safety presentation conducted by the Tustin Police Department. This presentation is a crucial step in promoting safety awareness. After attending the session, students will be eligible to receive the permit for parking their e-vehicles on campus.
Please refer to the attached flyer for specific details regarding the presentation location, date, and time. We kindly request parents to accompany their students during the presentation. Students, ensure you bring your school ID for verification.
Thank you for your cooperation in fostering a safe and secure environment at our school. Questions regarding the permit can be referred to Mr. McKinley, Assistant Principal.
Lions Club Vision Event - Saturday, March 9
Please see the flyers below about the Lions Free Vision Screening and Recycled Glasses event.
This is a great way for families to be screened, by professionals, and then be issued free glasses. Everyone in the community is eligible to participate!
THS Community Center
An important part of our work as a community school is providing holistic supports for students and families. As we begin a new semester, we'd like to remind students and families about free services and resources available through our Tiller Community Center, including non-perishable food, second hand clothing in our Community Closet, school and hygiene supplies. Located in Room 805, the Community Center is open to students during Snack and Lunch on most school days. We also offer referrals to local community agencies for services such as housing and utility assistance, low cost internet, medical services, and more. For further assistance, please complete this CONFIDENTIAL REFERRAL FORM or contact Olga Reardon, Community Liaison, at 714-730-7414 ext 87159.
For those who would like to contribute to our Community Center, we are currently in need of the following items. Items can be dropped off in the Front Office between 7:30-4:30 on any school day. Questions about donations can be directed to Pat Hsieh, Community School Specialist, at phsieh@tustin.k12.ca.us. Thank you in advance for your support!
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Women's deodorant
- Bars of soap or body wash
- Lotion
- Travel sized tissue packs
- Sanitary Pads
FREQUENTLY CALLED NUMBERS
Attendance Office (leave a message anytime day or night) - ext 87175
Counseling Office - ext 87160
College & Career Center - ext 87806
Discipline Office - ext 87155
Community Liaison - ext 87159
Library - ext 87103
Student Store - ext 87104