Congratulations to our 2023 Teacher of the Year honorees, Vivian Chang (Red Hill Elementary) Colleen Driscoll (Utt Middle School) and Chelsea Dehn (Foothill High School). These outstanding educators were selected for their dedication to our students, families and their colleagues, in addition to the meaningful impact they have on each and every student in their classes. Ms. Chang, Ms. Driscoll and Ms. Dehn will join Teachers of the Year from each of our campuses as we celebrate them with Tustin Public School Foundation in the spring. Congratulations to these fantastic educators!

This week, we celebrate our outstanding school counselors in honor of National School Counselors Week. Our school counselors play a critical and meaningful role in helping our students achieve school success and plan for a career. Our school counselors inspire our students to dream big and we are grateful for their impact on the success of our students. Please join us in thanking: Jayme Acosta (THS), Emily Alvarez (COSA), Luz Arellano (BHS), Yesenia Barajas (CT), Nubia Barcelo (Hillview), Amy Bledsoe (THS), Esther Bomanrogers (Beckman), Jeff Bonds (FHS), Mandy Bremner (Hicks Canyon/Orchard Hills), Miranda Castillo (Nelson), Erin Charles (BHS), Bianca Contreras-Garcia (Loma Vista), Jackie Davila (Sycamore), Diane Diaz (FHS) Elizabeth Diaz (COSA), Jessica Edwards (Sycamore), John Emaguna (FHS), Katy Fernandez (Heideman), Kennedy Fulcher (Ladera), Ashley Hagstrom (THS), Sarah Halili (TMA), Jessica Hansen (Heideman), Julie Hazard (Ladera/Peters Canyon), Kati Hersey (THS), Cindy Hoang (TRE/Myford), Christine Hughes (Legacy), Alex Jimenez (Hewes), Tiffani Jue (CT), JoAnne Kurtz (Pioneer), Janet Le (Legacy), Heather Luis-Martinez (Heritage), Julie McGinis (FHS), Sarah Montes (Orchard Hills), Juan Morante (Pioneer), Esther Park (Orchard Hills), Lauren Peyton (Guin Foss), Ashley Posavec (Utt), Vivian Rangel (Estock), Erica Rosas (Beckman), Dwight Schmidt (BHS), Claudia Sermeno-Golly (Utt), Summer Serna (Beswick), Laura Sewell (Estock), Anjali Sheth (Hewes), Katie Siapin (Benson) Jessica Sotelo (THS), Joshua Strong (Arroyo/Red Hill), Erin Swanson (THS), Sara Thede (Hillview), Lillian Tran (Adult Ed), Kristi Urfano (Sycamore), Cassie Vargas (FHS), Kendall Wien (CT), Robyn Wijnhamer (Tustin Connect), and Veronica Williams (THS).

In celebration of CTE Month, each week we will be highlighting one of our secondary schools’ CTE pathway offerings. We are proud to offer hands-on, career-ready pathways that allow all students to explore careers while in high school. CTE pathways include working on industry-standard equipment and software, hands-on real-world skill development, industry certifications, and internship opportunities. What a great way for all students to explore and plan for their future!

At Foothill High School, students can complete pathways in Computer Science, Culinary Arts, Engineering, Manufacturing, Graphic Design, and Visual Imagery. More information is available on FHS’ CTE pathways on our website. And, for information on all of our CTE pathway programs, please visit the TUSD CTE webpage.

We are excited to share the third issue of our Mental Health Services’ Building Resilience newsletter. In this issue, we're celebrating Counselor Appreciation Week in recognition of the hard work and dedication that counselors and other collaborators bring to our TUSD community. In addition, you'll find articles on self-love, developing and nurturing healthy relationships, and upcoming events and resources. Enjoy the newsletter in English or Spanish.

TPSF was proud to partner with Tustin Unified to host our Robotics Extravaganza at Orchard Hills School. Teams from elementary through high school participated in VEX robotics competitions to find the best in the District and move on to the state level. The robotics program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for students of all ages to gain confidence and problem-solve while working with team members toward a common goal. What started as a Summer Academy class nearly a decade ago has grown in interest and participation to now involve more than 500 students and 100 teams. We look forward to sharing more of the Robotics Extravaganza in a future weekly video.

The Foundation's support of this program has been made possible due to community support. This year the Irvine Company and Donald Bren Foundation joined in the effort to support the program with a record-setting donation that will offer Title I schools resources to create and compete, while giving students the chance to travel to advanced competitions regardless of family finances.

And, for more news and updates from the Tustin Public Schools Foundation, sign up to receive the TPSF Newsletter. Join the TPSF email list to stay up to date on the many ways they are supporting all TUSD schools.

TK-12th grade students who are new to TUSD for the 2023-24 school year can get a head start on the enrollment process. Begin the enrollment process through the TUSD AIR Portal. AIR enrollment allows parents/guardians to quickly begin the enrollment process online.

Children who will turn five on or before September 1, 2023 are eligible to enter kindergarten in the upcoming 2023-24 school year. Children who will be five between September 2, 2023 and April 2, 2024 are eligible to enter transitional kindergarten.

More information is available for families on our website, including details of our Kindergarten Readiness Program which offers half-day state-subsidized and half-day and full-day fee-based programs.