Pathway Programs
AVID
AVID: ADVANCEMENT VIA INDIVIDUAL DETERMINATION
Student Testimonials
"In AVID, we learn skills for success in college and in the real world. We are family, we are a culture, we are the future."
- Jordan Castañeda, Class of 2018, student at UC Berkeley
"AVID has given me the opportunity to see my dreams come true by allowing me to attend my dream college and by helping me transition into the life of a successful college student."
- Troy Navarro, Chapman University Graduate
Tustin High School is an AVID National Demonstration School.
Mission Statement
AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.
Program
AVID is designed to increase school wide learning and performance. AVID's focus is to ensure that all students in the program will complete a college preparatory path, will succeed in rigorous curriculum, will enter mainstream activities of the school, will be eligible to enroll in four-year universities and colleges, and will become educated and responsible participants in a democratic society. AVID is an academic, regularly scheduled elective program based on writing and reading as tools of learning, inquiry, and collaborative grouping. AVID students are successful due to the academic support, academic advisement, and personal support they receive though the program.
AVID students will take at least one AP/Honors course by their senior year; however, many AVID students take multiple AP and/or Honors courses throughout high school.
AVID Students have been accepted to over 50 different colleges and universities across the United States and the world.
Benefits
- Academic support from college tutors
- College prep testing (PSAT, SAT, ACT, etc.)
- Critical Reading/Writing Strategies
- College Preparation Instruction
- Creating successful academic strategies
For additional concerns, please contact your counselor or Mrs. Vandal.
More from AVID
2019 Tiller Spotlight
Tiller Spotlight: Hannah Barajas
August 23, 2019
By Joanna Vandal
Hannah Barajas is the epitome of an AVID student as she is determined to excel in all aspects of her life. This year as AVID Co-President and TUSD Student Board Member, she will continue to utilize her leadership to help support her fellow students! She is going to be an amazing force of positive growth for THS!
Biomedical Science
BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
The Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Biomedical Sciences Program is a sequence of four courses, which follow the PLTW Engineering Program,’s proven hands-on, real- world, problem-solving approach to learning. Students explore the concepts of human medicine and are introduced to bioinformatics, including mapping and analyzing DNA. Through activities like dissecting a heart, students examine the processes, structures, and interactions of the human body – often playing the role of biomedical professionals to solve mysteries. Think CSI meets ER. They also explore the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases working collaboratively to investigate and design innovative solutions for the health challenges of the 21st century such as fighting cancer with nanotechnology.
BioMed classroom projects
More on BioMed
TUSD Bright Spot
Bright Spot on BioMed
October 18, 2019
By Tyler Watkins, Biomedical Pathway Instructor
The Biomedical Pathway program at Tustin High School had the opportunity to present at the TUSD Board Meeting on September 9, 2019. Three current 12th grade students in the Biomedical Pathway shared the unique learning experiences they have had in the program. Elizabeth Lambaren (left), Sky Salguero (left center), and Tanner Cline (center), are currently taking Biomedical Innovations as the capstone course to complete their four-year journey. Mr. Thomas Day (right center) and Mr. Tyler Watkins (right) shared how courses taken in the Biomedical Pathway can fulfill students’ A-G requirements and align to the Next Generation Science Standards. Mr. Day, Mr. Watkins, and Mrs. Kranz, along with support from countless others in the district including Dr. Grant Litfin, Chris Matos, and Kris Posavec, are proud to see this first group of Biomedical Pathway students graduate and look forward to continued success and growth of the program.
BioMed Club
What is the Biomed Club at Tustin High School?
The Biomed club is an opportunity for students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare and medical technology to experience hands on learning and gain real-world insight from industry professionals.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to provide Tustin High students as many opportunities as possible to experience a day in the life of a diverse range of healthcare professionals. This will ensure they not only graduate with practical knowledge but also have insight into which fields they may wish to pursue.
LEARN MORE
Club meetings are held at lunch on the first and third Thursday of every month in room 5106.
@THSBioMedClub
Model United Nations (THSMUN)
THSMUN
The Model United Nations (MUN) program prepares students for college by teaching them the organizational, research, and writing skills necessary for success in higher education.
MUN Students gain important skills including:
• Research
• Global Awareness
• Interpersonal Skills
• Diplomacy & Debate
• Formal Writing
• Community Service Projects
Graduates of Tustin High School MUN have gone on to attend the country’s top universities, including Harvard, Yale, Duke, Stanford, Berkeley, and Georgetown.
What does MUN do?
SIMULATION
Model United Nations (MUN) students take on the role of a diplomat from a country and represent that country in a simulated United Nations committee during a one-to-three day conference.
RESEARCH
Students prepare for MUN conferences by researching world issues and the positions of the countries they will represent. Students also research solutions to these world issues.
DEBATE & DIPLOMACY
During conferences, students interact with students from other schools, debating the issues they have researched. Through diplomacy and persuasion, students compose and ratify UN resolutions.
More from THSMUN
- Tillers Host Annual Model UN Conference
- 2019/20 Conference Schedule
- Suggested Pathway Course Sequence
- Tiller Spotlight
- Social Media
Tillers Host Annual Model UN Conference
Tustin High School will host its 27th annual Model United Nations (MUN) Conference on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 23 and 24. Over 1,200 students from more than 30 high schools throughout the state are participating in the event, which will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Sunday.
Through debate and collaboration, MUN students will discuss a variety of international topics and current events.
This annual student-run conference serves as a vital fundraiser for the Model United Nations program and is the largest MUN conferences in California.
Individual and group awards will be presented to students in several categories, including Best Research, Commendation, Outstanding Delegate and Best Delegate awards, along with large and small school delegation awards.
MUN is an a-g approved academic program that offers an opportunity for students to simulate the activities of the United Nations organization. Students learn skills in researching, writing, negotiating, speaking and debating.
The program was started at Tustin High in 1991 as an extracurricular activity and has evolved into a four-year academic leadership academy curriculum with over 140 participating students, ranging from top honors to special needs students. Students compete at local, state, national and international levels.
The team will compete internationally at the PRAMUN Model United Nations Conference in Prague, Czech Republic in January.
For more information about the program or get involved as a student or a parent, call (714) 730-7414, ext. 87710, visit join.thsmun.org , or email thsmunrecruitment@gmail.com. To learn more about the annual conference, please visit thsmun.org .
Annual THS MUN conference
2019/20 Conference Schedule
THS MUN 2019/20 Conference Schedule
| CONFERENCE | CLASS PRIORITY** | DATE |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Margarita High School | MUN I MUN II MUN III (NOT CHARING THSMUN/NEW) MUN IV (NOT CHARING THSMUN/NEW) |
Sept 28, 2019 |
| Tustin High School | MUN I MUN II MUN III MUN IV |
Nov. 22-24, 2019 |
| Capistrano Valley MUN*** | 1st Semester Makeup ONLY | Dec. 7, 2019 |
| Mission Viejo MUN | MUN III MUN IV |
January 18-19, 2020 |
| PRAMUN - Czech Republic* | MUN II IV | January 3-13, 2020 |
| Laguna Hills High School | MUN I MUN II |
February 22, 2020 |
| BOSMUN - East Coast* | MUN III | February 7-13, 2020 |
| Berkeley MUN - NorCal* | MUN I (ATTENDING TRAINING CAMP) MUN II |
March 5-8, 2020 |
| Laguna Beach MUN | MUN III MUN IV |
March 21, 2020 |
| UCI MUN*** | MUN I MUN II |
April 25-26, 2020 |
* Optional travel competition - additional cost incurred
** Classes with priority are given the opportunity to sign up first. Any remaining spots will be opened to the other classes with the agreement of the advisors.
***Grade levels in (parentheses) may apply to these conferences as make-up opportunities if space permits.
All dates subject to change. Changes will be announced in class and on Haiku.
Students are required to attend four local conferences (including Tustin) unless other arrangements are approved by their advisor.
Suggested Pathway Course Sequence
The Model United Nations Program is a rigorous four-year course of graded electives that complement required social studies classes. Model United Nations is a program that combines the aforementioned subject matter with an authentic simulation of United Nations Committees. During these simulations students are catapulted into the world of diplomacy and negotiations. They prepare draft resolutions, plot strategy, negotiate with supporters and adversaries, resolve conflicts and navigate the U.N.’s rules of procedure – all in the interest of mobilizing “international cooperation” to resolve problems that affect almost every country on earth.
Lessons in Model UN courses will be designed to promote an understanding of modern world problems through the use of a Model United Nations format. Knowledge will be reinforced through research, debates, critical thinking, speech, and actual Model United Nations competition.
In addition to the courses listed below, MUN students must attend a minimum of four conferences each year. These conferences are usually held on Saturdays. Optional travel conferences range from 3 to 12 days, and from San Diego to Europe.
Suggested Sample Course Sequence for 4-year MUN students:
*An honors track program is recommended but not required for Model United Nations. MUN is open to all students.
Grade 9
- Model UN I
- English
- Math
- Science
- World Language
- P.E. or Athletics
- Additional Elective (if desired)
Grade 10
- Model UN II
- World History AP or CP
- English
- Math
- Science
- World Language
- P.E. or Athletics
Grade 11
- Model UN Ill
- US History AP or CP
- English AP or CP
- Math
- Science
- World Language
- Visual & Performing Arts
Grade 12
- Model UN IV
- American Government & Politics/Economics AP or CP
- English AP or CP
- Math
- Science
- Additional Elective (if desired)
NOTES:
- September Training Camp is encouraged for all students.
- Students who complete at least 3 years in the class and complete a Capstone project, receive an MUN Honor Cord for graduation.
Tiller Spotlight
Tiller Spotlight: Angela Huang, 11th grade
august 16, 2019
By Eleanor zechiel
Angela Huang had an exciting summer! She attended the Ronald Reagan Student Leadership Program at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. During the program, she learned about the leadership qualities of President Reagan and developed a Leadership Action Plan for her community. She also had the opportunity to work with a community mentor to devise a plan on various alliances between the students of Tustin High School.
Social Media
@TustinMUN
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Tustin High School MUN (@tustinmun) on
T-Tech Academy
T-TECH ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Tustin High School’s T-Tech Academy is a four-year elective program where science, math and technology are brought to life. Choosing from one of two pathways, T-Tech students are enrolled in one STEM class for each year of the program, culminating with a project-based Senior Capstone course. By the end of the program, all T-Tech students will have a portfolio, resume, and a wealth of hands-on technical knowledge and expertise not available anywhere else. After all, over 85% of all new jobs in the coming years will require STEM skills!
Whether you are interested in a traditional four-year college path, community college, vocational training, or simply love technology, T-Tech is for you!
Tustin High School’s T-Tech Academy of Technology and Engineering is considered to be one the best STEM programs in Orange County. The academy provides students with hands-on experiences using the most advanced tools in education and industry. T-Tech is partnered with PLTW, a leader in STEM curricula, and Coastline ROP for the best in career technical education.
T-Tech students in the 11th grade have the unique opportunity to apply for a number of summer internships at actual engineering companies like EON Reality, Boeing, UPS and more. Interns work 7-10 weeks in the summer alongside professional engineers and scientists - an opportunity of a lifetime!
T-Tech Course Listing
9th Grade: Introduction to Engineering
Hands-on introduction to basic engineering and technology principles. Intro also consists of one full semester of Computer Science.
10th Grade: Product Design & Engineering
2D Drafting, 3D Computer Aided Design & Modeling with SolidWorks™, 3D Printing and manufacturing using state of the art equipment.
11th Grade
Hardware: Principles of Engineering
Advanced science and technology academic curriculum with hands-on lab activities, robotics, computer simulations and more.
Software: Computer Science Principles
Fast-paced introductory course in software engineering. Basics of coding, app and game development, Python, Arduino, and more.
12th Grade
Hardware: Engineering Design & Development
Senior Hardware Project Design Class. Project-based curriculum with emphasis on advanced engineering skills, communication and teamwork.
software: Computer Science A
Aligned with AP CSA Framework. Project-based curriculum with emphasis on advanced software and programming skills, communication and teamwork.
All T-Tech classes are UC-Approved!
See your counselor for more details.
More About T-Tech
- Good Day LA School Standouts: T-Tech
- Tiller Spotlight
- Videos
- Social Media
- Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams Program 2016-17
- Femineers Club
Good Day LA School Standouts: T-Tech
From OCDE Newsroom:
Tustin High Tech Academy Leader Spotlighted
By Fermin Leal. September 27, 2019
Teacher Ed Hernandez has been compared to a real-life Tony Stark for his work heading the award-winning T-Tech Academy at Tustin High School.
Hernandez was profiled recently by Fox 11 News. The segment included a brief history on how he helped found the T-Tech Academy, a four-year high school program where science, math and technology are brought to life.
“Hernandez is the mastermind behind T-Tech and the man making tech magic happen in Orange County,” according to the Fox 11 News piece.
Hernandez is described as truly living the American dream. He is the son of immigrants and was the first in his family to go to high school and then on to college.
After receiving his engineering degree, he went on to a successful career in the tech world, but something was missing from his life. So about 10 years ago, he left his high-paying corporate job to become a teacher.
Why? He says it was simple: He wanted more out of life other than just making money.
So he made the switch and became a teacher. After receiving a grant, Tustin High School and Hernandez teamed up to create the T-Tech Academy. The program allows students to get hands-on experience inventing things using some of the most advanced tools in education and the tech industry. It’s a builder’s paradise, where students can turn their wild ideas into reality.
“Hernandez allows his students to dream big. If they create it, they can build it,” Fox 11 News reported. “From a gum-removal vacuum and a vending machine to electronic cars and robotic prosthetic body parts, there is nothing the kids can’t do, and there’s nothing Mr. Hernandez won’t do to help them achieve their goals.”
School Standouts 2019
Read the full story on the Fox 11 News website.
Tiller Spotlight
Tiller Spotlight: Maia mcbride
october 11, 2019
By ed hernandez
Is it possible to be a 4.0 student, be part of T-Tech and be an accomplished ballerina? Only if you’re Maia McBride! In addition to a full class load, Maia spends up to 20 hours a week perfecting her craft. This winter she’ll perform in The Nutcracker with the Anaheim Ballet and will go on tour with them in December! Maia was also invited to compete in an international ballet competition in February. Amazing!
Videos
2018 STEM on the Sidelines
For the accessible version of this video, please visit the Chargers website.
OC Pathways at THS T-Tech Academy: Angelica
THS Students print a 3-D Prosthetic Arm!
Social Media
Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams Program 2016-17
Click to Help send T-Tech to MIT!
T-Tech Academy of Technology & Engineering is going to MIT! A team of 11 Tustin High School students was awarded a $9,000 Grant from the Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams Program.
InvenTeams are teams of high school students, teachers and mentors that receive grants up to $10,000 each to invent technological solutions to real-world problems. This initiative of the Lemelson-MIT Program aims to inspire a new generation of inventors.
“The InvenTeams program represents the future,” said Leigh Estabrooks, invention education officer from the Lemelson-MIT Program. “We place an emphasis on STEM-focused projects to develop interest in these fields among youth. With InvenTeams, our primary goal is to foster high school students’ passion for invention, in turn inspiring them to consider careers in science, technology, engineering or math.”
T-Tech Advisor, Ed Hernandez, initiated the InvenTeam application process in April of 2015, and attended training at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in June of 2016 to help prepare the final proposal. A prestigious panel of judges composed of educators, researchers, staff and alumni from MIT, as well as representatives from the industry and former Lemelson-MIT Award winners, selected the Tillers as one of this year’s InvenTeam grantees.
The funds will be used for the complete development and fabrication of a student-created invention over the next seven months. Tustin’s challenge is to develop a machine to quickly and efficiently remove unsightly chewing gum from concrete floors, walkways and sidewalks. Chewing gum litter is the number two litter problem in the world, second only to cigarette butts.
The program will culminate with a trip to EurekaFest in June 2017 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts (MIT) to present their invention.
The Tustin High School InvenTeam, selected after an exhaustive 2-year application process, will be one of only 15 high school InvenTeams from across the United States to participate in this prestigious event.
Femineers Club
Sticker design competition to help Femineers Club sponsored by Sticker You. See link below.
Read an article HERE from the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) about how the Femineers empower our Tillers into STEM!
Hey, Tillers, are you interested in expressing your creativity through design and coding?
Join our Femineers Club and be a part of a group that will allow you to design and program your own amazing creative robotics project. You don’t need to have previous STEM experience, just a desire to create, build and program your vision.
Stop by Mrs. Douglas' room in the Science Building for more information! #tustinfemineers
@ths.femineers
