Board Highlights

At their annual organizational meeting on December 12, the Board of Education heard from Student Board Members Erin Song (Beckman), Valerie Ontiveros (Tustin), Priscilla Gutierrez (Hillview), Malaika Fortes (Foothill) and Jaiden Le (Legacy) as they shared events from their campuses this month. Moreover, Andres Garcia (Beckman) shared an overview of happenings across the district at our elementary and middle schools.

In addition, CTE, Engineering, & Robotics TOSA, Megan Lund, shared the success of our Hour of Code and CubeSAT STEM programs. We are excited to hear that our students are excelling in these outstanding programs.

At their regular meeting on November 14, the Board of Trustees celebrated Beckman High School's Mahita Adluri and Suhina Chand. These seniors, along with their IUSD teammate, Keyon Jazayeri, were the US country-winner - AI Impact Creator award in the 13-18 year old category at the 2022 Intel Global Impact Festival. This annual digital readiness celebration for next generation technologists and teachers allows participants to showcase artificial intelligence and innovation. Suhina, Mahita and Keyon were celebrated for their project, Noted! - Scanner, Transcriber and AI Sorting Technology.

In addition, Student Board Members Andres Garcia (Beckman), Malaika Fortes (Foothill), Samara Delgado (Hillview), Jaiden Le (Legacy) and Katie Vu (Tustin) shared recent events from their campuses. Moreover, Valerie Ontiveras (Tustin) shared an overview of happenings across the district at our elementary and middle schools.

Kristin Simpkins, Dino Dash Co-Chair, presented a generous check from the Tustin Public Schools Foundation in addition to sharing the outstanding results of 31st Annual Dino Dash. The Board of Trustees was also joined by Eleanor Beatty and Ethel Reynolds from the Town and Country Philharmonic Committee who presented a check in support of our music programs.

And, College and Career Coordinator, Alita Salazar, highlighted the many outstanding partnerships made possible through our Career Technical Education program.

At their regular meeting on October 10, the Board of Trustees celebrated National Merit Scholar semifinalists. From Beckman High School, the Board honored Jeremy Chen, Grace Chia, Andres Garcia, Ellie Jiang, Andrew Kim, Eunvin Kim, Jenna Kim, Aidan Lu, Gerald Lu, Subhash Prasad, Andrew Suh, and Ian Tam. From Foothill High School, the Board recognized Anne Marie van der Hoek and Dylan Werdel. Selected based on their PSAT/NMSQT scores, these students are top scorers in the state, representing less than one percent of all competing. Simply remarkable!

In addition, Student Board Members Erin Song (Beckman), Katie Vu (Tustin), Priscilla Gutierrez (Hillview), Nyah Kinsey (Foothill) and Jaiden Le (Legacy) shared events from their campuses this month. Moreover, Malaika Fortes (Foothill) shared an overview of happenings across the district at our elementary and middle schools.

And, Nutrition Services Director, Teresa Squibb, shared a Bright Spot video highlighting the outstanding work of our Nutrition Services staff. 

On Monday, at their regular meeting, the Board of Education honored Tustin Girls Basketball Coach Claire Gocke in celebration of her receipt of the CIF Southern Section Champion of Character Award.  Coach Gocke was recognized for exemplifying the finest in sportsmanship, character, integrity and athletics. 

In addition, the Board heard reports from Student Board Members Samara Delgado (Hillview), Malaika Fortes (Foothill), Andres Garcia (Beckman), Jaiden Lee (Legacy), Valerie Ontiveos (Tustin) and Erin Song (Beckman).  Students shared an overview of events from their campuses, while Andres Garcia highlighted the elementary and middle schools across TUSD.  These students are to be commended for their outstanding reports!

Moreover, the Board of Education heard from Karen Knudson, Megan Venezia, Lisa Ryan, Monica Wyman, Elizabeth Diaz and Monica Sharp, as they shared an overview of our elementary summer school program and professional learning opportunities.  The great success of summer school, serving 320 students, and the summer scholars week of learning for GATE students, were celebrated.  In addition, the well attended professional learning opportunities available to staff this summer were highlighted.

At their regular meeting on Monday, August 22nd, the Board of Education celebrated Beckman AVID/science teacher Tracy Dawson as she was selected by the Orange County Department of Education as one of only six finalists in the County Teacher of the Year competition. Ms. Dawson was celebrated by the Board for creating positive learning environments, her commitment to and support of the students and staff, and her excellence in teaching and learning. She will now represent the County in the California Teacher of the Year competition.

In addition, student board members Andres Garcia and Erin Song from Beckman, Malaika Fortes and Nyah Kinsey from Foothill, Valerie Ontiveros from Tustin, and Priscilla Gutierrez and Samara Delgado from Hillview were sworn in. These students, along with peers from Legacy Magnet Academy, will have the opportunity to share highlights from their campuses as well as schools across the district.

Moreover, College and Career Coordinator, Alita Salazar shared the successes of the Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathway program offered this summer. Teachers Angie Soriano and Dr. Brandee Ramirez spotlighted their work with students, along with Beckman senior Trinity Tran who highlighted her experience interning at Ernst and Young.

Lastly, Sal Sanchez, Senior Director, Maintenance and Operations, and Tom Rizzuti, Director, Facilities and Planning, shared an update for the Board of Education regarding the numerous projects completed over the summer. We look forward to the next meeting of the Board of Education on September 12th.