TUSD Celebrates Administrator of the Year Honorees

We are excited to celebrate our 2024 Administrator of the Year Honorees:

• Personnel/Human Resources Administrator: Maurita De La Torre, Ed.D., Chief Personnel Officer

• Central Office Administrator: Kristina Posavec, Coordinator, Secondary Education

• Elementary Principal: Deanna Parks, Heideman Elementary

• Secondary Principal: Jennifer Harrison, Ed.D., Legacy Magnet Academy

• Elementary Co-Administrator: Yaneli Rivera, Sycamore Magnet Academy

The Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) annually recognizes remarkable administrators for their achievements and dedication to public education. We are excited to share that two of our honorees have been selected as Administrators of the Year by the ACSA, Region 17. Region 17 encompasses twenty-eight Orange County districts plus the Regional Occupational Program and the Orange County Department of Education. Congratulations to Maurita De La Torre, Personnel Administrator of the Year and Yaneli Rivera, Elementary Co-Administrator of the Year! They will both represent Region 17 in ACSA's State competition. Congratulations to all our honorees!

Middle and high school students and their families are invited to join us at Pathways to Success, an evening of resources, information, knowledge and tools to support you as you plan for your future. Held April 9 from 5-8PM at Tustin High School, the evening is filled with sessions focused on you as you look ahead. Join us to learn more about CTE pathways, college admissions, in-demand industries, hear from college counselors and more. RSVPs are requested through ParentSquare. More information is available in the Pathways to Success flyer or by contacting Emily Alvarez, COSA.

TUSD students and staff shared their love of reading as campuses across the district celebrated Read Across America Week. Guests readers from our community including the Tustin Santa Ana Rotary Club, OCFA, Miss Tustin, city officials and our Board of Education shared their favorite books with students. From cookies and milk for families to garden visits and lively Rock, Paper, Scissors competitions, the books shared inspired a variety of activities all designed to further our students' excitement for reading. Thank you to our community partners for joining us in another outstanding Read Across America celebration.

The Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts (TACFA) will award $1500 scholarships to graduating seniors who will major or minor in Visual or Performing Arts at a college, university, or other professional training institute beginning in the Fall 2024. Named for long-time community supporter, TUSD School Board member and TACFA Board member, Barbara Benson, these annual scholarships are awarded to TUSD high school seniors who will further their arts education in a post-secondary institution. $250 scholarships are also available for qualifying seniors planning to attend a community or junior college and enroll in fine art courses. Scholarship funds will be sent to the school once registration and enrollment are verified. The deadline for applications is fast approaching on March 14. For more information and to apply, visit www.tafca.org.

A fun way for the community to be involved with the Tustin Public Schools Foundation and our efforts to support all Tustin Unified schools is through the annual Golf Classic and Auction. The March 14 Golf tournament is a sell-out, but we still have tickets available for the 5PM evening reception in the Big Red Barn. Guests can review and bid on silent and live auction items, learn more about Fund A Need projects, and enjoy hosted food and beverages.  Don't miss participating in the live auction that will include exclusive getaways to Kauai and Catalina, a gourmet dinner on the sand at Emerald Bay, tastings and a stay on the grounds of Twomey vineyards, Goodyear blimp flight for two, Big Bear Chalet that sleeps 15, and a private dinner for your group with Stanley Cup winners at Duck's pre-game favorite Barolo Bistro. If you already have plans for the evening, you can still bid on any of the silent auction items including a backyard BBQ from Zov's, Duffy boat cruise with drinks and appetizers, Utah ski getaway, you-pick catering package from Wise Guys, local museums, restaurants, salons, and golf foursomes and attire from Travis Mathew. After you register for the auction and find your favorite items, set an auto bid amount with your max so you won't miss out. Learn more and sign up at www.tpsf.net/golf.