We are excited to celebrate our elementary schools named California Distinguished Schools by the California Department of Education. Congratulations to Arroyo Elementary, Beswick Elementary, Ladera Elementary, Orchard Hills School, Red Hill Elementary and Tustin Ranch Elementary. As announced this week by State Superintendent of Public Education Tony Thurmond, these campuses are six of only 44 in the County and 336 across the State. We are proud to have the highest percentage of elementary schools honored in Orange County this year.

The California Distinguished School award is considered the state’s top honor for public schools, honoring those that demonstrate exceptional academic performance and efforts to close achievement gaps. Congratulations to our teachers, staff, admin, students and families on this outstanding recognition.

While our students enjoyed a day away from campus, our certificated staff participated in our March 24 Staff Development Day. Staff worked together as part of their commitment to lifelong learning, building new skills, developing their understanding of best practices in the classroom, and connecting with peers. At the elementary levels, teachers joined grade-level colleagues for a focus on math instruction. Our secondary teachers enjoyed a full day of sessions focused on topics across all subject areas. A huge thank you to our Ed Services team, under the leadership of Dr. Chris Matos and Dr. Maggie Villegas, our TOSAs and COSAs and admin team for making this day possible for all of our teachers. Go Team TUSD!

Red Hill's Annual Battle of the Books brought a night filled with friendly competition to our Rocket Families. Students showed their knowledge of twelve novels through a team competition. The evening also offered students and families the chance to talk to local authors. Supported by an Enrichment Grant from the Tustin Public Schools Foundation, the evening was a fun event highlighting our Rockets' passion for reading.

It is time to celebrate! Join us at TPSF's Teacher of the Year Celebration where all 30 Teachers of the Year will be recognized on May 9 at the Irvine Marriott. These teachers have gone above and beyond to support our students and enhance their schools. It's time to honor them and all that is good in TUSD. Nearly 800 community members, District partners, parents and staff will be a part of the night that includes socializing, dinner, awards, and even a little dancing. Tickets are available for a limited time at an early bird price of $75. Support the event with adopt-a-teacher tickets or a sponsorship. For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit www.tpsf.net/toy.

We are excited to share an additional scholarship opportunity with TUSD seniors. We strongly encourage our seniors to consider applying.

Dollars for Tustin Scholars Scholarship Program: Dollars for Tustin Scholars is awarding four $6,000 scholarships, provided annually for four years ($1,500/year). These are the highest scholarships offered in TUSD. To qualify, students must be high school seniors in the Tustin Unified School District, graduating this spring, planning to start college by 2025, having at least a 3.0 GPA, community service experience, and financial need. Applications are available online and are due April 12 at 5 p.m.