Sycamore students have been enjoying lunchtime activities in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. This week, students created papel picado and worked on a collaborative mural featuring prominent figures in Hispanic culture. Both are now on display in the quad. Students also came to school dressed in traditional attire. And in the library, our Wolves discovered works by Hispanic authors. We look forward to more activities as Hispanic Heritage Month continues through October 15.

Regular, on-time school attendance is vital to the success of all students. Across TUSD, our goal is to have all children present in school every day and on time. We are grateful for our partnership with parents and guardians to help us ensure student success. Important information regarding building strong habits early in your child's academic career and keeping your student on track through middle and high school is included. We encourage all of our families to review TUSD attendance policies and communicate with your school's office regarding absences due to illness. Thank you for continuing to support student success through regular, on-time attendance at school.

This week, the Tustin Public Schools Foundation welcomed the community to the Celebration of Schools, an evening highlighting the students, staff and programs across TUSD. Hosted by Beckman High School, the evening included student performances by the Beckman Orchestra and Choir. Artwork from multiple CTE visual arts pathways was on display and guests toured the new CTE building to see the outstanding spaces dedicated to engineering, robotics and graphic arts. The evening closed with a presentation by Superintendent Mark Johnson sharing highlights from across Tustin Unified. We are grateful to the Tustin Public Schools Foundation for hosting a wonderful evening in celebration of TUSD.

Have you seen Flat Dino on your campus or out and about in the community? In addition to visiting almost all TUSD schools, Flat Dino has been spotted at Angels' Stadium, the Great Park, a Beyonce concert at Sofi Stadium, and even on a trip to Kansas! All TUSD students are encouraged to print, color, and share their photos of Flat Dino on social media. Don't forget to include #flatdino! In addition to helping us promote participation in the November 5 Dino Dash Ride and Run for Education, there will be cash prizes for participating schools. Get your Flat Dino and register for the Dino Dash at www.dinosaurdash.net.

The Tustin Community Foundation has set a goal to collect 2,500 new pajamas to distribute to families in our community. Collection will continue up until Thanksgiving Break so that recipients will have the chance to enjoy new pajamas in December. The Tustin Community Foundation is looking for infant and youth sizes 2-16, in addition to adult sizes XS to XL, to assist students and seniors in our community. A huge thank you to our office staff and PTA/PTOs for their partnership in this effort. Please look out for the collection bin in your school office to contribute to this effort.