Myford's Tiffany McMillan incorporates time in the campus garden to truly make lessons come to life for her fifth graders. During their weekly visits, students harvest vegetables and care for the numerous plants and herbs. Their bountiful harvest then offers the chance to study math concepts hands-on as students explore averages, mean, median and mode through seeds. Or, they enjoy soup and cornbread made in class using the vegetables and herbs they raised. And this year, McMillian inspired an entrepreneurial spirit in her students as they harvested marigold seeds and sold them in student-designed and assembled packets at Myford's Entrepreneur Fair. Flowers and fifth graders are flourishing in the Myford garden.

Students in Tustin and Beckman's Graphic Design classes recently had the opportunity to design logos for clients within the community. Tiller Alex Parada designed a new logo for the Tustin Dollars for Scholars, a rebranding project a part of Graphic Design 3 with Angie Soriano. And, Patriots Noah Davidson, Jocelyn Robledo, Rebecca Chen, Evan Jahneke, and Vonna Vu in Gigi Manning's Graphic Design 1 presented their work for the Southern California Superintendents as part of their logo unit. Although it was not an easy choice, retired superintendents Dr. Greg Franklin and Dr. Dennis Smith, along with Dr. Johnson selected Vonna's design.

It is wonderful to see our students enjoy the chance to work with and receive feedback from real clients through our Visual Arts programs. We look forward to seeing these logos proudly on display throughout our community.

Recently, Benson Elementary showcased student work at their Learning Journal Exhibition, made possible through a generous grant from the California Teachers Association’s Institute for Teaching program. The Learning Journal Exhibition celebrated the accomplishments of 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students in Allison Goodlander, Dian Echols, Julie Boyd, Lori Pro, Dana Taylor and Katy Stahovich's classes. The exhibition provided a platform for students to document their growth, celebrating their creativity, comprehension and ownership of their learning. Parents, guardians, and community members in attendance showed their support and pride. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated teachers and educational partners who made this event a resounding success.

Tustin Public Schools Foundation's Dino Dash Video Contest is a fun opportunity open to TUSD students of all ages. TPSF is looking for a short, thirty seconds or less, video highlighting all-things Dino Dash. Create a montage of fun moments over the years, make some new memories filming with your friends, or go completely digital with your computer skills. This contest is open through September 1. To learn more and to enter, visit DinosaurDash.net. 

Winners will be recognized at their school, highlighted on the TPSF website and social media, shared with the community, AND receive a cash prize of $100. Multiple winners will be selected, but there is only one entry per person. So, select your best, enter, and submit. 

While you are thinking about Dino Dash, sign up to run, walk or ride with your family and friends on November 5!

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.