Congratulations to Red Hill Elementary's Vivian Chang, recognized this week as an Orange County Department of Education Teacher of the Year finalist! Mrs. Chang is one of only six educators from across Orange County to earn the distinction this year. She will now represent Orange County as she continues to the State-level competition. Mrs. Chang was surprised on Thursday with a visit from the OCDE "Prize Patrol", led by Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes. We are honored to celebrate Vivan Chang, a remarkable educator who truly stands out for her dedication to each and every one of her students and their families. Congratulations Mrs. Chang!

Through CalKIDS, children in California have the opportunity to get a jump start on saving for college. Newborns and eligible low-income public school students are automatically enrolled and given a CalKIDS college savings account with an initial deposit between $25 and $1,500. There is no need to apply and no requirement that families make any kind of financial commitment. Families also have the option to contribute, if they would like, through a ScholarShare 529.

CalKIDS savings can be used for qualified higher education expenses like tuition, books, computer equipment, supplies, and more at thousands of eligible schools nationwide and even some abroad.

From April 17-30, when families link a new or existing ScholarShare 529 account to their CalKIDS account, they will receive an additional $50 in their CalKIDS account! It’s the perfect opportunity to begin saving for your child’s future and help them achieve their college or career dreams.

Visit www.CalKIDS.org today to learn more about eligibility, register for the program, and get started on your savings!

The Tustin Student Film Festival (TSFF) celebrated TUSD's talented student filmmakers at an event created by students, for students. Ten student interns worked tirelessly to create a theme and marketing materials to promote the festival. With the guidance of Beckman's Film/Media Arts teacher, Nathan Boice, and the support of Job Placement Specialist Pashia Escoto, and College & Career Counseling Coordinator Alita Salazar, students had the opportunity to collaborate with peers to plan the 2023 TSFF. Interns utilized their skills in marketing, graphic design, photography, and film production to ensure the success of the event. And, their hard work paid off as they received over 200 film submissions from middle school and high school students throughout TUSD. Congratulations to our outstanding interns for producing yet another remarkable film festival.

Tustin Public Schools Foundation is proud to support TUSD teachers and staff throughout the year. The TPSF Enrichment Grant program is just one way teachers are assisted by funding requested projects that directly impact student learning in their classrooms and schools. On May 5, the Foundation will also be hosting the annual Teacher of the Year Dinner, to honor not just the District winners, but honorees from each of the TUSD school sites. Thirty of the District's dedicated and creative teachers will be recognized by their colleagues, school families, and community members. As we wind down the school year, TPSF wants to express appreciation for all TUSD teachers and staff for their efforts on behalf of our students and community.

Tustin Tillers rolled out the red carpet as students celebrated their college decisions at THS' #Accepted, an event honoring students as they prepare for their futures beyond high school. By the end of the event, a map of the United States was filled with dots as students shared the location of their college or university. Students also had the chance to share valuable advice as seniors with their younger peers through a banner. Congratulations to all of our senior Tillers as they look ahead to some very bright futures.

Tustin Memorial Academy's second-grade students and their families had an opportunity to celebrate their diverse heritage at this year’s Ancestor Festival. Social studies came to life as students shared food, activities, and presentations from different countries. Students connected with peers, learning about classmates' ancestries. Among the countries highlighted were Korea, Taiwan, Afghanistan, Australia, Egypt, and Pakistan. Second grade teachers Mrs. Meekhof and Mrs. Forman were thrilled to see the students so engaged and excited about learning. The event was not only a celebration of diversity, but also the chance for students to learn from each other's cultural backgrounds.