This week, Tustin High School's Annual College Conference brings UC, CSU and community college representatives to campus to help prepare our Tillers for the opening of college application season. At Benson Elementary, students in Ms. Leech's class explore forces of motion. And, our Columbus Tustin Bulldogs are exploring chemical and physical changes in their sublimation lab. Enjoy highlights from another great week in Tustin Unified!

We have enjoyed seeing so many of our Tustin Unified students celebrated throughout our community this month by our partners. Tustin Kiwanis, the Rotary Club of Tustin Santa Ana and the Tustin Soroptimist honored our students for their academic success, remarkable character, and influence on campus and within our community. Students were joined by their counselors, principals/APs and family in celebration of their achievements.

Congratulations to Kiwanis Young Men of the Month Timofey Andreev (BHS), Zarin Jaafil (LMA), Evan Kim (FHS) and Tam Tran (THS); Rotary Student of the Quarter Miguel Guerra (Hillview); and Soroptimist Young Women of Achievement Laura Marentes Contreras (BHS), Melanie Silva (FHS), Ashley Limones (Hillview), Dariana Turner and Aselia Silva (THS).

At our College and Career Connections event held this week at Foothill High School, middle and high school students and their families enjoyed an evening of future-focused resources. Attendees had access to multiple opportunities to support and inspire students as they prepare for their next step. From college and career resources, college application and financial aid guidance, internship opportunities, career panels, and planning tools, there was something to benefit everyone. A huge thank you to Alita Ray, Zak Lara and Cindy McCarthy, along with all of our presenters, for making this evening possible for our families.

Hundreds of students from across Tustin Unified filled Main Street for the annual Tiller Days Parade. Our incredible student bands from Tustin, Foothill and Beckman High Schools proudly marched while Columbus Tustin Middle School highlighted the many facets of Bulldog life with their float. And, joining in the celebration were Board President Lynn Davis, Vice President Jonathan Abelove, Clerk Allyson Muñiz Damikolas, along with our Teachers of the Year, Jennifer Douglas, Melanie Formaneck and Cindy Herrell.

Thank you to Tustin Parks and Recreation for bringing our community together for this annual tradition. We can’t wait till next year!

Tustin Public Schools Foundation volunteers kicked off Reading Buddies at Heideman Elementary, and our second graders are loving it. Their weekly visits are full of stories, conversations and readalouds that build vocabulary and confidence while sparking a love of reading. Thank you to the caring volunteers who make this happen.

And it's time to grab your sneakers and your Dino spirit for the TPSF Dinosaur Dash on November 1. We hope you’ll join us and the Tustin community to ride, run or walk at Dino Dash. Daylight saving time ends that morning, so we all get an extra hour of sleep before the fun begins. Want to help out? We’re also looking for volunteers. For more information and to register, please visit the TPSF website at www.tpsf.net.

The deadline has been extended and optional device coverage is still available for TUSD-issued Apple iPads and Microsoft Surface Pro 8 devices. Coverage includes unlimited claims with no deductibles or hidden fees. For coverage details and enrollment information, visit www.schooldevicecoverage.com.

Join us as we cheer on our Tustin Tillers as they take over SoFi Stadium. On Thursday, October 15, Tiller Football will take on Villa Park. Our entire community is invited to see our Tillers take the field for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete on one of the biggest stages in sports.

Tickets are available for purchase online. Tiller fans are encouraged to wear red and bring the energy as we support our Tustin athletes.

Schools across Tustin Unified are excited to once again support the Tustin Community Foundation's Project Pajamas. Through Project Pajamas, the Tustin Community Foundation distributes more than 2,500 new pajamas across our community, including support for families at our Community Schools. Donations are accepted in any TUSD school office. For more information and to offer your support, please visit the Tustin Community Foundation website.

We care deeply about the well-being of every student and remain committed to supporting families in need. Our schools continue to provide healthy, nutritious meals each school day, including breakfast, lunch, and snack.

Resources are available for anyone experiencing food insecurity, including distributions at our campuses in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, local food banks and by calling 211 for information on food distributions.

Many of our Community Schools also host on-site food pantries. For confidential support, contact your school office, Community School Specialist, or the Student Services Department.

Printable version of the food distribution schedule for 2026-2027.