This week, Foothill High School's student-run paper, knightlife, is celebrating student voice and campus culture. At Legacy Magnet Academy, students in Mr. Falat's class are bringing chemical and physical changes to the kitchen with the science of food. And, Heritage Elementary's Innovation Lab offers students the chance to explore STEAM concepts with the help of student techsperts. Enjoy highlights from another great week in Tustin Unified!

At their regular meeting on October 12, the Board of Education honored 2027 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. Students recognized included Brian Anesi, Jill Bui, Braeden Bunya, Ryan Chen, Claire Chia, Heechan Choi, Emily Hsia, Lucas Hsieh, Aminah Khan, Ian Kim, James Kim, Caleb Lu, Irene Lu, Ayush Patel, Sophie Shah, Chloe Wong and Alexander Yakovlev (Beckman); along with Amy Kaye and Chloe Tantamjarik (Foothill). These Tustin Unified students are among over 16,000 high school seniors who will compete nationally for approximately 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $24 million. They were selected based on their scores in the PSAT/NMSQT. The top scorers in each state, representing less than one percent of those competing, are selected as semifinalists.

In addition, the Board of Education heard from our student board members as they celebrated programs across their campuses. Highlighting events, students and staff from their campus were Jill Bui (BHS), Stella Bryant (FHS), Brianna Tirado (Hillview), Hannah Nguyen (Legacy and Peyton Montha (THS). Tustin's Mia Bonahora shared a celebration of events and programs from our elementary and middle schools from the dias.

Following their reports, Deputy Superintendent  

Maggie Villeagas, Ed.D., Estock Principal Amanda Heineman, Ed.D., Tustin Ranch Principal Michelle Ciecek and Lead Math TOSA Monica Wyman, shared an overview of implementation of our new math curriculum, Amplify Desmos, highlighting the positive impact for students across Tustin Unified.

Over 100 Beswick students and families along with staff participated in the Orange Coast College Science Night. Led by their dedicated Community Schools Lead Teacher Team, the evening was filled with exploration, discovery, and memorable experiences for our Bobcat families.

Students enjoyed exploring the planetarium, horticulture gardens, aquarium, and human biology lab. At the horticulture station, students planted and took home their own plants, while others received toy stethoscopes and prizes for visiting the science stations. Students also had the opportunity to explore a college campus and imagine future possibilities. Most importantly, the evening provided the opportunity for families to learn and explore together.

A heartfelt thank you to our Community Schools Lead Teacher Team, Beswick staff, and participating families for making this such a special event.

Across Tustin Unified, students and their families laced up their sneakers and enjoyed a stroll to school together for our annual Walk to School. We were thrilled to see so many families joining in on the fun. And a huge thank you to the Tustin and Irvine Police Departments who shared high fives and treats with students at Tustin Memorial Academy, Peters Canyon Elementary and Hicks Canyon Elementary.

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.

In January 2027, there will be significant changes to the Medi-Cal program which may impact families in our community. Join us for sessions with CalOptima Health and community partners as they present information on Medi-Cal program changes, eligibility changes, renewals and eligibility checks, works rules and tips for what members should do now. There will be a question and answer session following each presentation.

Medi-Cal Program Changes Presentations

October 27 from 5-7PM

Tustin High School Cafeteria

November 17 from 5-7PM

Columbus Tustin Middle School

RSVPs are encouraged but not required. Refreshments and childcare for potty-trained children ages 3+ will be available. Please see the attached flyer for more information and to register.

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.