Tustin High School staff joined students, families and our community this week as they celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month and Report Card Night at their annual kermés. From the delicious food to the stunning performances and vibrant energy from our student clubs, it was a true celebration of culture and community. A huge thank you to Community Specialist Pat Hsieh, Principal Dr. Heather Bojórquez, and the THS Team for a fantastic night.

At their regular meeting on October 14, the Board of Education celebrated our 2025 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. Madeleine Chang, Swaroop Kamble, Tyler Ly, Rachel Nazareth, Andy Nguyen, Luke Owyang, Srishti Pradhan, Gabrielle Wang (BHS), Gabriela Afable, Alexis Chew, Elle Doughty (FHS) Justice Cheng and Jaiden Lee (LMA) were honored for their selection by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Following this, the Board of Education heard reports from our student board members as they shared highlights from their campus. Presenting student board members included Sahana Shurpalekar (BHS), Morgan Park (FHS), Alejandro Sixtos (Hillview), Catcher Welch (LMA) and Harshini Mahesh (THS). Melanie Villalobos (LMA) shared an update of events from our elementary and middle schools from the dias.

Lastly, Chief Financial Officer Harold Sullins, Senior Director, Maintenance and Operations, Sal Sanchez and Director, Facilities and Planning, Tom Rizzuti shared an overview of maintenance projects completed on our campuses across Tustin Unified this summer.

This month, the Tustin Public Schools Foundation welcomed the community to the Celebration of Schools. Hosted at Legacy Magnet Academy, the event highlighted the outstanding achievements of our District for the more than 350 guests. Superintendent Dr. Mark Johnson shared more about Tustin Unified, our stand-out accomplishments, students, staff and programs. In addition, TPSF President Kate Kersten shared the impactful partnership between TPSF and TUSD. We are grateful for the ongoing support of the Tustin Public Schools Foundation and their positive impact on each and every student in Tustin Unified.

At the 4th Annual Pathways to Success event, held at Foothill High School, nearly 400 TUSD students and family members gathered for more information and resources to support their journey toward a bright and promising future. Through sessions on topics like CTE pathways and options after high school, a career panel and resource expo, families were equipped with knowledge and inspired by the potential of opportunities. Thank you to Emily Alvarez, Judy Park and Alita Ray for bringing these fantastic resources to our families.

The Tustin Public Schools Foundation is calling on all TUSD high school students to nominate a teacher or staff member for a Golden Touch Award. This December, each high school will have a staff member recognized for making a positive impact on student lives and bettering their school. Nominations can easily be submitted online before the October 28 deadline. Students will have a chance to thank their honoree in person at the Golden Touch Award breakfast on December 12, hosted by TPSF and underwritten by SchoolsFirst FCU. To find out more about the Golden Touch Awards and the Tustin Public Schools Foundation, visit the TPSF website.

TUSD hopes to open a Chinese Dual Immersion Program starting in the 2025-26 school year. If there is enough interest, we aim to begin with TK and Kindergarten next school year. If you or someone you know might be interested, please help us spread the word.

Join us for a virtual parent interest meeting on October 24 at 6PM to learn more about this opportunity. To receive the Zoom link and join us, please complete this Interest Meeting Sign-up Form.