Foothill High School and Tustin High School students showcased student-built electric vehicles at the Vital Link Energy Invitational, demonstrating their ingenuity and hard work. The students' success was made possible by the support of their exceptional Engineering CTE Pathway Teachers, John Cooper from Foothill and Ed Hernandez from Tustin High. The students' ability to create custom vehicle parts in their respective engineering programs, using CAD, CAM, and CNC machining skills, played a pivotal role in their achievements. TUSD's commitment to Career Technical Education (CTE) was evident as our students dominated the event, securing the top four positions, with Foothill taking 1st through 3rd place and Tustin High claiming 4th place.

This week, our Classified Celebration honored the Classified Employee of the Year from each of our school sites, M&O, Kinder Readiness, and the District Office. In addition, 2023 District Classified Employee of the Year, Carol Moore, Library Media Technician from Pioneer Middle School, was also celebrated. Joining us at the celebration in addition to our Board of Education and members of Cabinet, was Field Representative from Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris’ office, Lillian Hollar. As we enter Classified School Employee Week, we want to thank all of our classified staff for their valuable contributions to the success of our more than 22,000 students.

The regular board meeting of May 15 was a night of celebrations as the Board of Education honored standout students and staff for their remarkable accomplishments. The Board celebrated student Board Member Jaiden Le from Legacy Magnet Academy for his service to the Board this year.

In addition, the Board honored recipients of the Tustin Area Council for Fine Art's Barbara Benson Memorial Scholarship, awarded to students in support of their pursuit of arts education at a post-secondary institution. Congratulations to Rebecca Bledstein, Sunny Guo, Mia Mravle, Meena Senapathi, and Morgan Wilbert (Beckman), Mckenzie Siundzinski (Foothill) and Loryn Baum (Tustin).

Moreover, the Board celebrated Girls Elementary Volleyball Champions from Beswick Elementary and their coaches David Eagan and Donni Adrian. In addition, the Board also honored Boys Elementary Volleyball Champions from Ladera Elementary and their coaches Jay Warren and Nida Beg.

The Board also celebrated the Tustin High School Dance Team and their coaches Kierstie Nielsen Stone and Jonise Ngo for their recent first place win in the Miss Dance Drill Team USA 2023 Nationals. In addition, the Board honored the Beckman High School Dance Team and their coaches Megan Chavarria and Mali Mokhtari for their outstanding results at the Contest of Champions and USA Dance Nationals.

Following this, the Board celebrated District Classified Employee of the Year Carol Moore and OCDE Teacher of the Year Finalist Vivian Chang.

The Tustin Public Schools Foundation President Sona Shah and Executive Director Carol Burby Garrett presented a generous check to TUSD in support of our students, staff and program.

The celebrations closed as the Board thanked Tustin Toyota and Parts and Service Director Glenn Kashima for their generous ongoing support of our students through the Drive for Engagement program.

Drumroll please! Thanks to a bequest of 1946 Tustin High School graduate Juanita Cluster, the Tustin Public Schools Foundation recently donated five new timpani in addition to new plumes for band uniforms to Tustin High School's instrumental music program. The timpani were unveiled during the school's Cabaret Concert, directed by Michael Fisk. Tustin High Principal Dr. John Tuin joined TPSF volunteers and donors Bill and Michael-Ann Pevehouse for the presentation. The prior timpani were donated to middle school instrumental music programs at Sycamore Magnet Academy and Orchard Hills School.  So, the beat goes on... 

This is just one of the many ways TPSF engages with community members to enrich programs in Tustin Unified schools. To learn more about TPSF and their support of all TUSD students, please visit the TPSF website.

Children 18 and under can enjoy nutritious meals throughout the summer through our Summer Meal Program. Tustin Unified School District will be offering free lunch for all children 18 and under, ensuring they have access to healthy food during the break. 

From June 5 to July 11, free lunch will be available at the following locations:

Utt Middle School: June 5-July 11

Sycamore Magnet Academy: June 6-July 11

Heideman Elementary School: June 5-July 11

Boys & Girls Club in Tustin: June 5-August 9

Tustin Public Library: June 7-July 29

Meals will be served Monday through Friday, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm. We want to emphasize that this program does not require any enrollment, paperwork, or income qualifications of any kind. It is open to all children 18 and under. All food is to be consumed on site.

We encourage all families to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity. Please help us spread the word, ensuring that every child who can benefit from this program is aware of it.

Thank you to our dedicated Nutrition Services staff who make this program possible, as well as our community partners who support our mission of providing quality education and well-being to all students.