TUSD is proud to have 15 teams qualified for the VEX Robotics World Championships. Seventeen more teams are competing this weekend for additional spots. Schools that have qualified for World include: Foothill, Beckman, Legacy Magnet Academy (high school and middle school), Orchard Hills (middle and elementary), Hicks Canyon and Tustin Memorial Academy. In addition, several TUSD teams took home top awards at last weekend’s state-level competition including: 6627S Foothill awarded State Champions, 2496R Beckman awarded Robot Skills Champions and Think Award, 3383A Orchard Hills awarded Design Award, 3383B Orchard Hills awarded Innovate Award, 3383F Orchard Hills awarded Create Award, 97793C Hicks Canyon awarded Excellence Award, and 97793A Hicks Canyon awarded Amaze Award. Congratulations to all of our robotics teams for their hard work and determination this season. We look forward to celebrating additional teams for their accomplishments as they compete this weekend.

During Read Across America Week, elementary schools across Tustin Unified welcomed members of our community into our classrooms. Police, Fire, elected officials, community members, our own Board of Education and District staff joined students to share a favorite book and their love of reading. In addition, students enjoyed spirit days throughout the week, sharing their passion for books through fun dress up events. Started in 1998 by the National Education Association, Read Across America Week was established to promote reading for all students. We were excited for the opportunity to welcome members of our community on campus as they joined us for a celebration of reading.

Congratulations to Hillview senior Troy Fair, honored by Tustin-Santa Ana Rotary this week as Student of the Quarter. Troy was celebrated for his outstanding accomplishments, hard work, determination and character. Joined by his mom and counselor Nubia Barceló, Troy was honored at a luncheon hosted by Rotary where he also received a scholarship from the club. We are grateful to Tustin-Santa Ana Rotary for their continued support and celebration of our students, staff and programs.

TUSD Educational Services is excited to host High School Pathways to Success, an event for students and families. Please join us on April 4 for valuable resources and tools to support you as you plan for your future beyond high school. The event will take place at Tustin High School from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and will include information about workforce trends in our community, college options out of state, resume building, understanding your financial aid award letter and college counseling. More information is available in the High School Pathways to Success flyer. Registration is encouraged by March 25.

Tustin Unified School District has been recognized as a 2023 Top Employer by Chapman University, as shared at their State of the University address. Top Employers are celebrated for the strength of their partnership with the university and a consistent and active participation in recruiting efforts. TUSD was one of only two districts honored this year. We are proud to partner with Chapman University to offer opportunities to current students and graduates within our district.

The Tustin Student Film Festival (TSFF) will be held on April 21. TSFF showcases and celebrates the skill and creative talent of our student filmmakers.

The TSFF Student Planning Committee invites our community partners to join us in support of this celebration of our student filmmakers. Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations looking to support our students while also promoting their businesses. More information is available in the TSFF sponsorship letter.

For additional details on the Tustin Student Film Festival, and to purchase tickets, please visit the TSFF website.

The Tustin Public Schools Foundation's Golf Classic and Auction is next week! Join us at Strawberry Farms on March 16 in support of programs in all TUSD schools. Families and staff can join us at the auction in the Big Red Barn at 5 p.m. for a fun evening in support of our students. And, if you can't join us in person, online bidding for the silent auction opens Monday, March 13 through 5:30 p.m. on March 16. Auction items include something for every interest from dinner out and behind the scene experiences to shows, sports and even a trip to Iceland. To support students and programs at all of our campuses, please visit the TPSF website for more information. We hope to see you on March 16!