The Franklin Almanac Spring 2016

Spring 2016 - Volume 5, Issue 4
News and Information from Superintendent Dr. Gregory Franklin
for employees of the Tustin Unified School District
Visit the TUSD Web site at www.tustin.k12.ca.us
Follow us on:
Twitter: @SuptFranklin and @TUSDschools
Facebook: facebook.com/TUSDschools
Instagram on iPhone or Android: @TUSDschools
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Connect Institute participants visit TUSD 21 century classrooms, and meet with teachers and students.
Photos courtesy of John Garrett
Superintendent’s Message:
TUSD Shines Through the Connect Institute
The Tustin Unified School District and Tustin Public Schools Foundation hosted the second annual
Connect Institute in February for 160 participants from 20 school districts from throughout southern
California to explore “connected” teaching and learning. We heard from Apple Vice President John
Couch, visited classrooms at Barbara Benson Elementary School, C.E. Utt Middle School and Beckman
High School, and conducted seminars on a range of topics including teaching with technology,
professional development and teacher coaching models, financing and logistics, and leadership. Over
150 TUSD teachers, administrators, and staff participated as presenters, panelists, or school visit
hosts. The participant evaluations of the Institute were incredibly complimentary of the teachers and
students they observed, the seminar sessions, and the District’s TUSD Connect Initiative.
The Connect Institute had three significant outcomes. First, TUSD was able to share our progress with
educational colleagues who serve over 200,000 students throughout southern California. As the
beneficiaries of the expertise and experience of other schools and districts, we have a responsibility to
share what we have learned with others. Participants highly valued the very practical information that
was shared, and also reported that our progress with TUSD Connect inspired them to action. What a
great thing for public education in our region! The second significant outcome is that TPSF made money
through the Connect Institute that will be turned right back into support for TUSD schools, teachers and
students. The TPSF Board and staff continue to be outstanding partners for the District – they help make
us all better! Finally, the Connect Institute participants provided excellent validation and constructive
feedback to us about our work. I want to share some of the highlights from participant evaluations
organized under the TUSD Connect framework.
Rigorous standards:
Connect Institute participants were impressed by the rigor of the work and the high expectations for all
students throughout each of the grade spans. As one participant put it: “The site visits were my favorite
part of the conference. Seeing the integration of tech merged with readers’ and writers’ workshop and
CGI was impressive. The collaboration occurring at all grade levels, and finally the engagement of
students, a crucial component to a successful education. Your district is impressive in every way, from
the coaches and teachers, the students and TPSF and the vision and leadership at the top. Thank you for
sharing your schools and people, it is much appreciated."
Engaging instructional strategies:
Participants were impressed and commented on the excellent student engagement at all three schools,
whether working on balanced literacy, CGI math, the writing process, participating in an Ed Café, or
student debate, a Socratic seminar, group editing, or creating a video or Wiki page to demonstrate their
understanding. They were impressed by the level of collaboration among students, their on-task work
habits, and their ability to communicate what they were learning.
Supported by technology:
Participants saw an abundance of technology being used effectively in classrooms that include:
Smartboards, document cameras, Google Classroom, Google Docs, Snap Chat, Verso, Hyper Docs,
Adobe Voice, See Saw, iMovie, Canva, Zaptation, Notibility and PearDeck.
No wonder they were impressed! Thanks to all of you for your outstanding work and making TUSD a
great place to work and learn!
Go TUSD!
Gregory A. Franklin, Ed.D.
Seventeen TUSD Elementary Schools Named
California Gold Ribbon Schools
Seventeen elementary schools in the Tustin Unified School District have been named 2016 Gold Ribbon
Schools by the California Department of Education. They are Arroyo, Barbara Benson, Benjamin
Beswick, Helen Estock, Guin Foss, Robert Heideman, Hicks Canyon, Ladera, C.C. Lambert, Loma Vista,
Myford, Peters Canyon, Red Hill, Jeane Thorman, Tustin Memorial Academy, Tustin Ranch and Marjorie
Veeh schools. These are the most schools ever selected for state recognition in one year in the history
of TUSD.
It is an amazing accomplishment to have 17 schools in one district named California Gold Ribbon
Schools. The leaders and staff members at these schools are doing an outstanding job of preparing
successful students through rigorous standards and engaging strategies that are supported by
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technology. The 17 schools embody the District's TUSD Connect instructional model and 21 century
learning.
Approximately 772 elementary schools in the state have been honored under the Gold Ribbon Schools
Awards Program, which is temporarily taking the place of the California Distinguished Schools
Program. Approximately 140 elementary schools were selected in Orange County. TUSD has the
second highest number of Gold Ribbon schools among all school districts in the county.
The California Gold Ribbon Schools Award was created to honor schools in place of the California
Distinguished Schools Program, which is on hiatus while California creates new assessment and
accountability systems. Nearly 6,000 elementary schools were eligible to apply this year.
Schools applied for the award based on a model program their school has adopted that includes
standards-based activities, projects, strategies and practices that can be replicated by other local
educational agencies. The award recognized middle and high schools in 2015.
The District’s 17 schools will be honored at a Gold Ribbon School awards ceremony sponsored by the
Orange County Department of Education on Monday, May 16 and recognized by the TUSD Board of
Education at its meeting on Monday, June 6, at 6 p.m.
Left photo: TMA Principal Wendy Hudson and Superintendent Gregory Franklin congratulate TUSD
Elementary Teacher of the Year Courtney Smith, center; and right photo: Currie Principal Erick Fineberg and
Superintendent Gregory Franklin commend TUSD Secondary Teacher of the Year Zachariah Samarin, center.
Photos courtesy of John Garrett
TUSD Announces 2016 Teachers of the Year
Tustin Memorial Academy kindergarten teacher Courtney Smith and A.G. Currie Middle School seventhgrade Core/entrepreneurship/leadership teacher Zachariah Samarin have been selected as the 2016
Teachers of the Year by the Tustin Unified School District. They will represent the District in the 2016-17
Orange County Teachers of the Year program.
The Orange County Department of Education will interview the selected candidates and announce winners in
May. The county finalists will then go on to the California and National Teacher of the Year programs.
Tustin Unified’s annual awards program recognizes outstanding teachers who have displayed extraordinary
teaching, creativity and excellence at their school and community.
Courtney and Zachariah were chosen from a field of 28 candidates. Additionally, Courtney was named
Elementary (grades K-5) Teacher of the Year and Zachariah was selected as Secondary (grades 6-12)
Teacher of the Year.
Courtney has taught in education for 18 years – all at Tustin Memorial Academy (TMA). She has taught
kindergarten and first grade, and fundamental and Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) classes. She
has received numerous grants from the Cotsen Art of Teaching Foundation, Tustin Public Schools
Foundation and Tustin-Santa Ana Rotary Club Good Idea Awards program. She is a Cotsen and
Technology fellow, participates in Family Reading Night and Dinosaur Dash, and organizes Teacher
Share Fairs as well as book study groups.
Outside of school, Courtney is activity involved in community charity work. She sponsors children through
humanitarian aid organizations, adopts families and provides them with meals during the holiday season,
serves as a collection volunteer for the Second Harvest Food Bank and creates care packages containing
personal hygiene items and supplies for the homeless. She is also involved in theater productions and
stages an elaborate neighborhood play each summer involving 20 or more children, which she
nicknames, “The Community Garage Theater.”
Zachariah has been a teacher for 16 years – 10 in the Tustin school district. At Currie, Samarin serves as
the Team Leader for seventh-grade Core and advisor for the Positive Behavioral Interventions and
Supports (PBIS) program, oversees the ASB class, and encourages his students to participate in debates
and Socratic seminars. He also conducts a mentor program, coaches the school’s volleyball team, and
organizes student trips to Washington, D.C.
Zachariah developed an entrepreneurship class at the middle school level for the first time in the history
of the District. With his background as a marketing major in college, Zachariah brought the principles and
innovation of entrepreneurship to Currie where students are engaged in analyzing data and starting a
business.
Under Zachariah’s guidance, Currie students have raised over $4,000 for various local charities, collected
thousands of pounds of food and clothing, volunteered at the Orange County Rescue Mission, provided
books and supplies to Children’s Hospital of Orange County, and cleaned the streets of Tustin on a
monthly basis.
TUSD Teachers of the Year Courtney Smith and Zachariah Samarin celebrate with their students.
The other 2016 School Site Teachers of the Year include:
Elementary School: Aimee Johnson, second grade teacher at Arroyo School; Lori Boyer-Pro, second
grade teacher at Barbara Benson School; Jennah Shmuckler, second/third grade teacher at Benjamin
Beswick School; Constance Seymour, first grade teacher at Helen Estock School; Jennifer Titterud,
transitional kindergarten teacher at Guin Foss School; Annette Cuccarese, transitional kindergarten
teacher at Robert Heideman School; Annie Pacelli, kindergarten teacher at Hicks Canyon School; Kathy
Okajima, second/third grade teacher at Ladera School; Jennifer Trinh, second grade teacher at C.C.
Lambert School; Joshua Helpern, fifth grade teacher at Loma Vista School; Danielle Clawson,
kindergarten teacher at Myford School; Mary Ann Spragle, transitional kindergarten teacher at W.R.
Nelson School; Rebecca Pieplow, fifth grade teacher at Orchard Hills School; Tracey Smith, third grade
teacher at Peters Canyon School; Julie Young, fifth grade teacher at Red Hill School; Lisa Hickman,
second grade teacher at Jeane Thorman School; Linda Chaplin, kindergarten teacher at Tustin Ranch
School; and Maureen Melstrom, second grade teacher at Marjorie Veeh School.
Middle School: Monica Azimioara, mathematics and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
(STEM) teacher at Columbus Tustin School; Tami Bailey, mathematics/Advancement Via Individual
Determination (AVID) teacher at Hewes School; Christine Kieran, Resource Specialist Program (RSP)
teacher at Pioneer School; and Barbara Valentine, mathematics teacher at C.E. Utt School.
High School: Joy Havrisik, RSP teacher at Beckman; Josh Hermanson, International
Baccalaureate/Theory of Knowledge and English Honors teacher at Foothill; Bobby Ray Buckles,
science teacher at Hillview; and Martin Ureno, mathematics teacher at Tustin High.
The two winners and all the District’s nominees will be honored at the 22nd annual Teachers of the Year
Dinner at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 13 at the Irvine Marriott Hotel. The event is co-sponsored by the Tustin
Public Schools Foundation and Tustin Unified School District.
Left photo: TUSD Technology Senior Director Robert Craven speaks at a symposium in Paris;
and right photo: Robert receives a Gold Disk Award at the CUE Conference in Palm Springs.
TUSD Connect:
Robert Craven speaks in Paris and receives CUE Gold Disk Award
The Tustin Unified School District continues to lead the way in 1:1 learning environments. TUSD Senior
Director of Technology Robert Craven presented at the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Annual Mobile Learning Week Symposium on March 8-11 in Paris,
France. Robert was invited to speak on the policies, procedures, and logistics behind 1:1 deployments.
Robert’s session covered the TUSD Connect project with a specific look to a recent collaboration with
other organizations to improve 1:1 programs for students everywhere. Over the last four months, TUSD
began leading a collaboration between Computer-Using Educators (CUE) and California Educational
Technology Professionals Association (CETPA) – both California educational technology non-profits –
and other California school districts in developing a 1:1 Mobile Learning guidebook. This guidebook
outlines the policies, practices, regulations, and documents required for a school district to implement a
successful 1:1 program. The free guide will be published by CUE and CETPA and made available to
school districts.
Through his work leading the project, Robert was asked to present the session representing TUSD, CUE
and CETPA. Over 40 participants spanning the globe from Africa, China, Europe, India, Pakistan, Africa,
and the Americas attended Robert's presentation. After the session, noted educational technology leader
and University of Michigan Professor Elliot Soloway praised the massive amount of detailed work
completed through TUSD Connect.
The 2016 Mobile Learning Symposium focused upon the methods through which mobile technology can
be leveraged to foster innovation in the education sector and ensure high-quality learning opportunities
for all people. One interesting takeaway from the conference is that the conversations occurring in TUSD
around equity, connectivity outside of school, teacher professional development, and increasing
educational opportunities for girls in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses were
prevalent topics in nearly every presentation regardless of global location.
Robert also received the Gold Disk award at the National CUE Conference in March. He was one 16
outstanding Ed Tech professionals honored during the organization’s National Conference held in Palm
Springs. The individuals were recognized for infusing curriculum with technology, leading through
innovation, and continually finding creative ways to help students succeed.
New Principal Appointed for Veeh Elementary School
and Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program
Rafael Plascencia has been appointed principal of Marjorie Veeh Elementary School in the Tustin
Unified School District, beginning July 1. He will also oversee the new Spanish Dual Language
Immersion Program for transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, and first-grade students at the school.
In the Dual Language Immersion Program, English-speaking and Spanish-speaking students will learn to
read, write, and communicate effectively in Spanish and English. Students will develop bilingual skills
and cross-cultural competencies needed to succeed in a multicultural society and global economy.
Rafael has worked in education for 22 years. He comes from the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School
District where he served as principal of Rio Vista and Topaz elementary schools, assistant principal at Rio
Vista and supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance.
Under his leadership, Rio Vista was named a 2016 Gold Ribbon School (formerly titled California
Distinguished School) by the California Department of Education. The school also received a 2016
California School Board Association’s Golden Bell Award for English Language Acquisition. In 2014,
Plascencia was named Orange County Elementary Principal of the Year by the Association of California
School Administrators (ACSA), Region 17. While at Topaz, the school received the California
Distinguished School Award in 2010 and the Title I Academic Achievement Award in 2010 and 2011.
He has a bachelor’s degree in ethnic studies from California State University, Fullerton; and two master’s
degrees in education – school counseling and educational administration from Azusa Pacific University
Additionally, Rafael has been a speaker for ACSA and the Orange County Department of Education
where he presented on closing the achievement gaps for English learners and students with disabilities.
Superintendent Gregory Franklin and Board President Lynn Davis honor
Nishaanth Krishnan for being named State Geographic Bee Champion.
Photo courtesy of John Garrett
Utt Student Wins State Geographic Bee Championship
Nishaanth Krishnan, an eighth grader at C.E. Utt Middle School, has won first place at the 2016
California State Geographic Bee Championships.
The California State Bee was held on Friday, April 1, for students in fourth through eighth grades.
Competitors must have participated in and won a competition at the school level. Over 700 schools
participated in the state geography bee and the top 100 students competed at the state finals in Fresno.
The top 10 students competed in the final round and Nishaanth became the champion. It is the first time
a student from Tustin Unified has been named a champion in the state’s geographic bee.
Nishaanth will compete among 54 students – one from each state, including territories -- in the National
Geographic Bee, May 22-25, at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Superintendent Gregory Franklin and Board President Lynn Davis recognize
teachers Kristy Andre and Rich Avellana at a recent school board meeting.
Photo courtesy of John Garrett
Two TUSD Teachers Selected to Parenting OC Magazine’s Top 25 List
Columbus Tustin Middle School AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) and sixth- and eighthgrade Core teacher Rich Avellana and Tustin Connect Center lead middle school teacher Kristy Andre
have been selected to Parenting OC Magazine’s third annual Top 25 Teachers of Orange County
list. They were chosen as two of the top 25 teachers in the county.
Both Tustin Unified teachers were nominated by their school principals, Maggie Burdette and Dr. Dustin
O’Malley, respectively.
Kristy was instrumental in opening the new K-8 independent and online school for Tustin Unified. She
helped create curriculum and coordinated learning in all subject areas for grades 6 through 8. She has
also been a Digital Learning Coach and Google Educator, and has presented workshops at the annual
Computer Using Educator (CUE) conference and International Society for Technology in Education
conference.
Rich is an educator who makes a difference in the lives of his students. As a former Digital Learning
Coach, he integrates technology into his classroom lessons and knows how to engage tougher-to-reach
students, particularly intermediate and beginning-level English Learners. He also serves as an athletic
director and coaches basketball and volleyball at the school.
This year, the magazine received nearly 300 nominations from school principals, parents and
students. All top 25 teachers were spotlighted in the March edition of the magazine.
Left photo: Guests arrive at last year’s film festival; and right photo: Beckman student filmmaker in action.
Beckman Hosts Eighth Annual SoCal Student Film Festival
Beckman High School is hosting the eighth annual SoCal Student Film Festival, a national high school
student film showcase and competition, on Saturday, April 30, from 3 to 10 p.m. in the Beckman
Performing Arts Center, 3588 Bryan Ave., Irvine.
The event will feature top films in eight different categories: animation, commercial, documentary,
experimental, music video, narrative, news spot-feature, and public service announcement.
Awards will be given to the best film in each category, and individual achievement awards will be
presented in the areas of acting, cinematography, directing, editing, production design, special/visual
effects and writing. The top award will go to the SoCal Student Filmmaker of the Year, honoring one
stand-out, prolific, visionary teen filmmaker.
Film entries are judged by a panel of over 40 students, teachers and administrators, who build consensus
through screenings of all submissions, discussions and debate. Various professional filmmakers are
invited to "certify" the consensus voting. The festival is supported by Taco Bell and sponsored by Canon,
QSC Audio Products, and the New York Film Academy.
This year, the film festival received 775 submissions from 50 states and 57 countries. Over 30 films from
California, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, Portugal and Slovenia
will be showcased to an audience of student filmmakers and fans.
The event will also feature industry explorations, panels, Q&As, workshops, a red carpet networking
opportunity, a trade-show-style product booth provided by Canon, a DJ, Taco Bell Food Truck, and an
awards show.
Next year, the festival will expand to include a college-level bracket of competition. The same award
categories will apply separately to both high school and college. Additionally, next year's judging will take
place entirely online by crowdsourcing a consensus of students, teachers and professional filmmakers.
Festival tickets are $15 per person. For more information or
www.socalsff.com and/or follow on Instagram or Twitter @socalsff.
to
purchase tickets, visit
Nick Caiozzo meets with T-Tech students Derek Weaver, Angelica Verde, Eric Baker and Brandon Rossano.
Tustin High’s T-Tech Develops Prosthetic Hand for Orchard Hills Student
Last month a group of four students from Tustin High School’s T-Tech Academy presented Nick Caiozzo,
a seventh-grade student from Orchard Hills School, with a new prosthetic hand. Nick was born without a
left hand and, although he has been perfectly able to do most things, the Tustin High T-Tech team was
looking to help him achieve that much more. Development of the prosthetic took over two months and
multiple prototypes using T-Tech's 3D printers.
“It is still a work in progress, but the team continues to work with Nick to refine the development of the
prosthetic,” T-Tech Academy Program Director Ed Hernandez said. Tustin’s T-Tech is also working on a
modification to Nick's bicycle so that he can activate both brakes with only one hand.
Upper left: Principal Mindy Smith opens the 1965 time capsule with help from members of Tustin
Masonic Lodge 241; upper right: students represent various decades as they greet guests; and lower
photo: former Nelson staff members and retirees pose for a group photo at the celebration.
Nelson School Holds 50th Anniversary Celebration
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W.R. Nelson Elementary School held its 50 Anniversary Celebration on March 11. The event included a
schoolwide assembly, guest speakers, singing from the student chorus, classroom visits, and the opening
of the 1965 time capsule, which was cemented by Tustin Masonic Lodge 241 behind the commemorative
cornerstone at the school’s administration office.
The school opened in 1965 and is named after W.R. Nelson who served as superintendent of the Tustin
Elementary School District from 1946 to 1966. Nelson School has also been honored twice as a
California Distinguished School.
TUSD Board of Education and Tustin City Council display the TSMA 2016 Community Service Award
presented to the city of Tustin. From left, Board President Lynn Davis, TSMA President Amy Jones,
Board Member Francine Scinto, City Manager Jeff Parker, Council Member Chuck Puckett,
Mayor John Nielsen, Council Member Beckie Gomez, Board Member James Laird, Board Vice President
Jonathan Abelove, Board Member/Clerk Tammie Bullard and Superintendent Gregory Franklin.
City of Tustin Receives TSMA Community Service Award
The City of Tustin has received the 2016 Community Service Awards from the Tustin School
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Management Association (TSMA). The award was presented at the 42 annual “Friends of Tustin Schools”
Community Recognition Dinner, presented by TSMA and the PTA/PTO Coordinating Council. The dinner
was held March 30 at Temple Beth Sholom in Santa Ana.
Each year, TSMA selects an organization, individual or group whose impact upon students and schools in
the Tustin Unified School District exceeds all expectations. This year’s theme was “The Forces is Strong
with Our Community Partners!”
“The Tustin City Council and City Manager Jeff Parker have demonstrated their leadership and commitment
in support of public education and supporting our schools,” said TSMA President and Arroyo Elementary
School Principal Amy Jones.
In August 2015, the City of Tustin and Tustin Unified School District approved an $85 million plan to build
a middle and high school, and begin the process of opening Heritage Elementary School for the 2016-17
school year.
The Tustin Legacy School Facilities Project was jointly approved by the TUSD Board of Education and
Tustin City Council. TUSD is pleased to partner with the City of Tustin to provide excellent schools to the
residents of Tustin Legacy.
Parker was “instrumental” in working through the negotiations process of forming a partnership to make
this agreement possible – opening the new Heritage Elementary STEAM magnet school and building a
new middle and high school at Tustin Legacy.
“The TUSD Board of Education and Tustin City Council are focused on providing for the education of
current and future Tustin Legacy residents,” Jones said. “The agreements and resolutions approved by
the Board and City Council were very complex and took extensive time and energy to construct. Both
entities are committed to meeting the needs of our citizens and enhancing our community.”
In addition to the partnership with TUSD, Tustin City Council members also attend and support many
District events and programs throughout the year, including student art shows, band and choral concerts,
new facilities groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings, sporting events, school anniversary celebrations,
Tustin Public Schools Foundation’s Dinosaur Dash, Teachers of the Year Dinner, State of the Schools
Breakfast and many other activities.
Tustin Mayor John Nielsen, Council Members Beckie Gomez and Chuck Puckett, and City Manager Jeff
Parker accepted the award. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Allan Bernstein and Council Member Al Murray were
unable to attend, but sent their appreciation and gratitude for the honor.
“Principals for a Day,” from left, front row, include Matt Mahoney, Beckie Gomez Carrie Woodward,
Janice Lee, Karen Hanvey-Earnest, Sushayla Betanco, Dario Gomez and Johnny Johnson; and back row:
Glenn Kashima, Jeff Parker, Matt Roque, Charles Celano, Zac Cusac, Farrah Emami, Dr. Allan Bernstein,
David Basile, Eric Williams, Beverly Loughran, Jeff Hallock, Christopher McNeany, Laura Araluce,
Carol Burby Garrett, Ashley Donna and Paul Stewart.
Photo courtesy of John Garrett
Local Business and Community Leaders Serve as “Principals for a Day”
Local business owners and community leaders served as “Principals for a Day” in schools throughout the
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Tustin Unified School District on March 22. The event was part of the 27 annual TUSD Educational
Partnership Week (March 21-25).
“Principals for a Day” is a hands-on opportunity for local business and community leaders to learn about the
issues, challenges and accomplishments in public education as they take on the role of school
administrators.
Each participant shared the role of school principal and performed various daily duties, such as visiting
classrooms, meeting with students and teachers, attending staff meetings, reviewing budgets and
participating in other activities.
The 2016 “Principals for a Day” included:
Elementary schools: Ashley Donna, executive vice president of Human Resources, Supply Chain and IT
at Niagara Bottling, Arroyo School; Christopher McNeany, vice president of the Leader’s Institute,
Barbara Benson School; Sushayla Betanco, manager of the Kid’s Center, Benjamin Beswick School;
Paul Stewart, manager of Smart & Final, Helen Estock School; Laura Araluce, vice president and
branch manager for Banc of California, Guin Foss School; Tustin Police Officer Matt Roque, Robert
Heideman School; Irvine Police Public Information Officer Farrah Emami, Hicks Canyon School; Janice
Lee, owner of Pieology, Ladera School; Carol Burby Garrett, executive director for the Tustin Public
Schools Foundation, Loma Vista School; Irvine Police Commander Matt Mahoney, Myford School;
Johnny Johnson, owner and instructor of Blue Buoy Swim School, Nelson School; Beverly Loughran,
realtor/broker for Coldwell Banker Realty, Red Hill School; Karen Hanvey-Earnest, corporate accounting
and receivables coordinator for Alexander’s Mobility Services, Jeane Thorman School; Eric Williams,
director of operations for Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que, Tustin Memorial Academy; and Dario Gomez, area
sales leader for Marriott Hotels, Tustin Ranch School.
Orchard Hills School: Irvine Police Deputy Chief Julia Engen.
Middle schools: Carrie Woodward, recreation coordinator for the Tustin Parks and Recreation
Department, Columbus Tustin School; Tustin Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Allan Bernstein, A.G. Currie School;
Zac Cusac, founder and creative director for cuSELLeration, Hewes School; Tustin Council Member
Beckie Gomez, Pioneer School; and Tustin City Manager Jeff Parker, C.E. Utt School.
High schools: Glenn Kashima, Parts and Service director for Tustin Toyota, Beckman; Captain Jeff
Hallock from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Foothill; Tustin Police Chief Charles Celano,
Hillview; and David Basile, owner of Round Table Pizza, Tustin High.
Educational Services:
Beckman CubeSat Irvine o1 Program –
Taking Project-Based Learning to New Heights
Beckman High School students have joined forces with high schools in the City of Irvine to do something
that no other students from America have ever done: to build, launch, and operate an actual functioning
satellite. The project, called "CubeSAT Irvine01" calls for students to simulate the exact process the
aerospace industry uses to create their satellites, but on a smaller scale.
“CubeSAT Irvine01” will be an estimated six inches square, will house high-end GPS equipment, a high
resolution camera, solar arrays, and components that allow for electro-magnetic navigation and
propulsion. Once constructed, “CubeSAT Irvine01” will have to go through the same testing, clearance
procedures, and scrutiny as any other professionally developed satellite. Each school involved with the
program plays a specific role in the development of the satellite, which will eventually be delivered to orbit
by a Russian Soyuz Spacecraft from Kazakhstan around April 17, 2017.
Beckman students have gone through a rigorous screening process to become involved with the project,
according to BHS club supervisors Dr. Paul Lewanski, Mr. Siu Kong Sit, and Mr. Siu- Ling Sit. Each of
the teachers were amazed at the number of interested students for such a demanding task. Over the
next calendar year, BHS will provide the “brains” of the satellite and will then shift their responsibility to
commanding the spacecraft once in orbit. In order to gain the skill sets necessary to play their role, BHS
students will go on several field trips to places such as Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Cal Poly San
Luis Obispo to listen to speakers from NASA, JPL, MIT, and Brown University, all while taking collegelevel coding courses in languages such as "Linux C.” All of this is in addition to their already challenging
AP coursework, but teachers say the students are extremely excited for the challenge. With the backing
of two forward-thinking districts, IUSD and TUSD, two supportive education foundations, IPSF and TPSF,
great teacher leaders and amazing students, the countdown to launch has begun!
Business Services:
Closing the Funding Target for Education
On March 14, the Tustin Unified School District 2015-16 Second Interim Report was presented to the
Board of Education. This report represents the District’s budget status as of January 31, with updates
from Governor Jerry Brown’s January state budget proposal for 2016-17. The good news is that the
District is in a solid financial position in planning for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 school years. The California
economy is currently experiencing a healthy growth in the job market, stock market, and housing market,
and this trend is expected to continue for the next few years.
The state’s proposal to increase and continue funding many of the existing programs comes with many
reminders on the possible return of the recession. The history of economic volatility in California indicates
that the state may be vulnerable within the next three to four years, with education most likely to be
negatively impacted. The District’s level of Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) funding is already 95%
of the state’s target for 2016-17.
The TUSD Board of Education’s goal is to maintain the programs and services currently implemented
while meeting the challenges of fluctuating revenues in order to minimize the impact to education.
Top photos: Tustin High School students enjoy healthy, freshly prepared lunch meals; and lower photo:
Chef Toys Marketing Director Jim Wendt, TUSD Chief Financial Officer Tony Soria, Center for Ecoliteracy
Finance and Operations Deputy Director Jim Koulias, TUSD Nutrition Services Manager Jim Kamuran, and
TUSD Nutrition Services Director Teresa Squibb display an assortment of healthy foods during the event.
Nutrition Services:
“California Thursdays” Spotlights Healthy Food for Students
Tustin Unified Nutrition Services kitchens joined 58 California School Districts to spotlight “California Food
for California Kids” in collaboration with the Center for Ecoliteracy. TUSD is the first school district in
Orange County to participate in this coalition.
“California Thursdays” is comprised of a network of school districts committed to serving healthy, freshly
prepared school meals featuring California-grown foods. Many school districts currently participate in this
network, which began with the Oakland Unified School District and now includes 58 school districts
across the state serving over 283 million meals a year to 1.75 million students.
TUSD’s kitchens joined the “California Thursdays” network by launching new freshly prepared menu
items at the school sites. Tustin High School Tiller Kitchen hosted the kickoff event on March 17.
Students and staff enjoyed samples served from six separate food stations.
Nutrition Services will continue to spotlight “California Thursdays” throughout the school year by featuring
new menu items with California ingredients. High school menus will feature fish tacos with local fish,
antibiotic-free Foster Farms spicy turkey burgers, al pastor and lavash wraps with grilled vegetables and
hummus or turkey and black beans. Elementary and middle schools will add antibiotic-free BBQ teriyaki
drumsticks to their menus.
New Humanities Building is under construction at Tustin High School.
Maintenance, Operations and Facilities:
Construction Teams Gear Up for Summer Work
Construction of the new Humanities Building at Tustin High School is officially underway. The project
consists of 12 new classrooms, new furniture, state-of-the-art technology, restrooms, elevator, and a
workroom. The work kicks off a slate of projects as part of the Measure L campus modernization plan
that includes a renovated entry/courtyard, minor library and little theater remodel, new weight training
complex, and athletic field upgrades.
Also, the District is preparing to complete many summer projects outside of the bond program, using
deferred maintenance and facilities funding. The list of summer projects includes:
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Carpet replacement at Estock, Guin Foss, and Ladera schools, and Foothill High
Roof replacement at Heideman and Red Hill schools, and Support Services Facility
Exterior painting at Heideman School
Interior painting at Guin Foss School
Removal and replacement of playgrounds at Tustin Ranch and Veeh schools
Slurry and striping at Benson, Loma Vista, Tustin Memorial Academy, Veeh, Columbus
Tustin, Currie, Hewes, and Utt schools
Left photo: Students test out their robot at the competition; and right photo: TUSD IT staff members
Hugo Campo, Giovany Tejeda and Henry Ha receive recognition for their work at the event.
Photos courtesy of John Garrett
TUSD Robotics League Wraps Up Competition Season
The TUSD Robotics League held one final scrimmage to wrap up the season. Twenty-five teams from all
TUSD middle and high schools competed and celebrated their progress this year. In the end, Foothill
High School came out on top. Students showed great determination, teamwork, and problem solving at
the tournament. The friendly competition highlighted the collaboration within and between teams. Prior to
this scrimmage, TUSD and the Tustin Public Schools Foundation hosted Official VEX Robotics
Competitions at Orchard Hills. TUSD middle and high school teams were joined by teams from around
the county to compete. Foothill High School and Columbus Tustin Middle School continued on to the
state championships in Pasadena.
TPSF supports the TUSD Robotics League, and has also recently provided robot kits to TUSD
elementary schools. There will be a friendly elementary competition on Tuesday, May 10, from 3 to 5
p.m. at the Currie Middle School Activity Center and Thursday, May 12, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Orchard
Hills School multipurpose room. The Foundation will be offering Robotics courses at this year’s Summer
Academy.
Summer Academy Registration is Now Open!
Registration is now open for the Tustin Summer Academy, which will run
from June 27 through July 21. There are two-week and four-week
sessions that run Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Academy offers enriching courses that are designed to expand
knowledge and nurture creativity and curiosity. New and exciting
courses will be offered this year such as Future Entrepreneurs,
Lemonade Stand Economics, Genius Class, Crime Solvers and more!
Fan favorites such as STEAM, Robotics, Cooking, and Art will be back
again this year. Visit http://www.tpsf.net/summeracademy for more
information and registration.
Follow Superintendent Franklin
and TUSD on Twitter!
During the year, get the latest news and information! You can always follow
Superintendent Gregory Franklin and the Tustin Unified School District on
Twitter: @SuptFranklin and @TUSDschools. “Like” us on Facebook:
TUSDschools. Stay in touch with us!
TUSD Calendar of Events
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May 9 ~ ACSA Administrators of the Year Awards, Irvine Marriott, 6 p.m.
May 13 ~ TPSF/TUSD Teachers of the Year Dinner, Irvine Marriott, 5 p.m.
May 17 ~ TECHstravaganza 2016, Pioneer Middle School, 3:15 to 4:30 p.m.
May 17 ~ TUSD Special Education Community Advisory Committee Celebration Night, Hicks
Canyon Elementary School, 6:30 p.m.
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May 23 ~ TUSD Board of Education Meeting and Classified Employees of the Year Awards,
District Office, 6 p.m.
May 27 ~ Lambert Elementary School “Tribute to the Heart of Lambert” Celebration, 9:30 a.m.
June 6 ~ TUSD Board of Education Meeting, District Office, 6 p.m.
June 7 ~ Sycamore High Graduation, Tustin High Sports Pavilion, 3:30 p.m.
June 14 ~ Tustin Connect Center Eighth-Grade Promotion, 11 a.m.
June 15 ~ Middle School Promotion: Columbus Tustin, 6 p.m.; Currie, 3 p.m.; Hewes, 6 p.m.;
Orchard Hills, 6 p.m.; Pioneer, 6 p.m.; and Utt, 6 p.m.
June 16 ~ High School Graduation: Beckman, 3 p.m. and Foothill, 7 p.m.
June 17 ~ High School Graduation: Hillview, 3 p.m. and Tustin, 7 p.m.
June 17 ~ Last day of school
The Franklin Almanac is produced by the TUSD Communications Office.
For questions, comments or information, contact:
Mark Eliot, Director of Communications and Public Information
(714) 730-7339 or [email protected]