Congratulations to our TUSD Teachers of the Year! This week, we were excited to surprise Elementary Teacher of the Year Melani Meekhof from Tustin Memorial Academy, Middle School Teacher of the Year Rey Halili from Utt Middle School and High School Teacher of the Year Abbey Zinsser from Tustin High School.

Congratulations as well to the Teachers of the Year from each of our campuses including:

Joy Uchida Arroyo Elementary

Randy Bowman Beckman High School

Cara Elms Benson Elementary

Jodi Bullock Beswick Elementary

Phuoc Tran Columbus Tustin MS

Andrea Franson Estock Elementary

Chanderika Subherwal Foothill High School

Mayra Aguillera Guin Foss Elementary

Sunita Sharoff Heideman Elementary

Jane Lee Heritage Elementary

Katie Magnuson Hewes MS

Joseph Baran Hicks Canyon Elementary

Sarah Chop Hillview High School

Christine St. Clair Ladera Elementary

Andrew Stadel Legacy Magnet Academy

Ling Bessho Loma Vista Elementary

Nina Kamali Myford Elementary

Jennifer Stephens Nelson Elementary

Rebecca Pieplow Orchard Hills School (TK-5)

Lynn Okenwa Orchard Hills School (6-8)

Sheri Bauer Peters Canyon Elementary

Stacey Connolly Pioneer MS

Janelle Crain Red Hill Elementary

Gabby Rodriguez Sycamore Magnet (TK-5)

Lauren Schiel Sycamore Magnet Academy (6-8)

Kim Fairburn Tustin Connect

Abbey Zinsser Tustin High School

Melani Meekhof Tustin Memorial Academy

Allison Hoang Tustin Ranch Elementary

Rey Halili Utt MS

February is Career Technical Education Month.  In TUSD we are empowering futures through CTE pathways. Hear directly from two Foothill High School students about their transformative experiences in the Manufacturing and Media Arts CTE pathways. Their stories highlight the power of hands-on learning and real-world experience. To learn about all CTE pathways offered at Foothill High School and in Tustin Unified School District, visit the TUSD College and Career Readiness webpage.

All TUSD middle and high school students who ride an e-vehicle (e-bike, e-scooter or e-skateboard) to school are invited to attend our next e-vehicle safety presentation on February 20. Join us at Pioneer Middle School at 5PM as Tustin Police Department shares important information for students and parents. Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, students who ride e-vehicles will be required to attend this presentation and purchase a permit for $5. Those who attend now will be able to obtain their permit for next school year. There will be additional opportunities to attend in the future. Please see the attached flyer for additional details.

At their regular meeting on February 13, the Board of Trustees welcomed reports from our student board members, highlighting events and programs across their campuses. Sharing their reports were Olivia Ramirez (Beckman), Paige Robison (Foothill), Albert Osnaya (Hillview), Marissa Sanchez (Legacy) and Harshini Mahesh (Tustin). In addition, Zenji Van Zutphen celebrated events across our elementary and middle schools through his report.

Following this, Career and College Coordinator Alita Salazar shared highlights from our Career Technical Education program including the numerous pathways and work-based learning opportunities available to TUSD students. Tustin High School student Julian Dominguez shared his experience as a member of the T-Tech Engineer Program and the outstanding impact on his future as he enters Stanford in the fall.

Looking to support TUSD schools in a fun way? Join us at the Tustin Public Schools Foundation Evening Reception and Auction on March 14. Community and business leaders, school families and staff are all welcome to the Big Red Barn at scenic Strawberry Farms in Irvine for an evening of socializing, live and silent auction, Fund A Need and awards, with great food and a hosted bar. All proceeds from this key fundraiser will go back to enrichment programs in all TUSD schools. Mark your calendar and sign up online so you won't miss out on a fun evening. Already have plans? You can still participate in the auction online. Special experiences include private chef's dinners, vacation getaways, local attractions and restaurants, services from local businesses and more. For more details and to join us visit www.tpsf.net.