The January 16 regular meeting of the Board of Education opened with celebration as the Board honored Columbus Tustin teacher Brooke Brown for her National Board Certification. National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification available in education, designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. The Board celebrated Mrs. Brown for her commitment to lifelong learning and her dedication to our students, families and community.

In addition, the Board celebrated Peters Canyon's Elementary Girls Volleyball team including Katherine Chen, Bethy Choi, Avary Dorsey, Anika Fedich, Brooklyn Head, Brooklyn Jenkins, Lena Kye, Penelope Lu, Amber Mendez, Allyah Nuristani, Jana Rastegar, Alishba Rizvi, Serena Schwartz, Isha Singh, Brooklyn Takeno, Kaysen Turner, Kiana Weissberger, Susie Yoon, and their coaches Tim Larson and Jade Vasconcellos for their first-place win in the 2023 Elementary Girls Volleyball Championship. This season, 15 of our 18 elementary schools and more than 225 students participated in our Elementary Girls Volleyball League. With a generous grant from TPSF, new volleyballs, ball carts, scoreboards and whistles were purchased. In addition, Tustin High School Girls Volleyball hosted clinics, offering elementary students the chance to learn from our high school athletes. The Board was honored to celebrate the team from Peters Canyon and their coaches for their fantastic display of athleticism, sportsmanship, teamwork and determination on and off the court.

Following this, Tustin Schools Management Association (TSMA) President Will Neddersen honored James Laird for his service as Board President in 2023. Mr. Neddersen expressed appreciation on behalf of TSMA and our TUSD staff for Mr. Laird's leadership and guidance as president throughout 2023.

The Board was also excited to hear from our Student Board Members as they highlighted recent campus events. Sharing their reports were Olivia Ramirez (Beckman), Riley Macias (Foothill), Albert Osnaya (Hillview), Carson Carter (Legacy) and Chriscelle Mangahas (Tustin). In addition, Ms. Macias also celebrated events across our elementary and middle schools through her report.

We are now accepting transfer requests through Friday, January 26 at 3PM for elementary, middle and high school students for the 2024-25 school year.

Transfer requests can be made online via our website at www.tustin.k12.ca.us/transfers. The transfer process can be completed entirely online. For assistance completing a transfer request, contact the Transfers Department at 714.730.7301 ext. 51317 or visit the TUSD Transfer Office at 14741 North B Street in Tustin. The Transfers Office is open weekdays from 8AM to 4PM.

Applications submitted during the transfer window will be processed according to a random and unbiased process based on space availability. Notification of acceptance or denial will be sent this spring.

On March 14, the Tustin Public Schools Foundation Golf Classic and Auction will be in full swing at Strawberry Farms Golf Club. This signature event is an opportunity for community and business leaders to support programs in all Tustin Unified schools while enjoying a day on the course with friends and colleagues. An evening reception and auction in the Big Red Barn begins at 5PM for additional guests to join players in support of school site programs and Summer Academy scholarships for students in need. Much of the event is underwritten by sponsors who receive digital and event recognition, as well as a chance to market their business, bring a foursome, or enjoy the reception. The live and online silent auction offers donor recognition as well as a chance to place the winning bid on a variety of items and experiences. Superintendent Johnson will be playing, and we hope that you will too! Learn more and register on the TPSF website at www.tpsf.net/golf.