TPSF Programs

Tustin Public Schools Foundation

Programs and Activities

The Tustin Public Schools Foundation (TPSF) was founded in 1989 by concerned parents and local leaders in response to drastic state funding decreases. A non-profit, community based 501(c) (3) organization, our mission is to mobilize the community and its resources to further excellence in Tustin public schools.

First Grade student Trevor Ernt is shown here at Tustin Ranch Elementary School
with TUSD Superintendent Dick Bray. Trevor won the Tustin Public Schools
Foundation's "Superintendent for a Day" contest.

Technology Fund
To help address the growing technology needs in our classrooms, TPSF has established a new Technology Fund. For this year, our first initiative is to help TUSD with their goal to install an interactive white board, also known as Smart Boards, in every classroom. On Feb. 12, TPSF presented a gift to TUSD to purchase 10 new interactive white boards. These will be installed at Loma Vista, Benson and Guin Foss Elementary Schools.

These oversized touch-screen computers are installed on the wall and can interact with the teacher and students. Teachers can create multi-media presentations, access internet resources, and instantly create charts and graphs. Students can answer questions right on the board and instantly see the answer. TPSF believes that the key to exciting classrooms is our excellent teachers. However, this tool can help to reach students in a new, “techno” way. If you’d like to contribute to TPSF’s Technology Fund, please contact us at 714.832.6299 or click here. Families or businesses that fund an interactive white board by May 1, 2008, will have the opportunity to have a name plate recognizing their donation installed in the classroom.

Tustin High Senior Farjad Yousufi reported on TUSD's progress with technology during his report on Feb. 12. Read all about it here.

Advancement Via Individual Determination
AVID places students performing in the academic "middle" into college-preparatory courses and, using the AVID elective course during the school year, provides those students with the academic and personal support needed to become eligible for admission to four-year colleges and universities. AVID is a vital tool for helping students achieve their college dream. AVID assists over 600 students in middle schools and high school.

Banking on Books
This is a program to provide financial support to improve our school libraries. The goal is to raise additional money from new sources to benefit the libraries of every school throughout the district. The program is implemented through district grants.

Classroom Grants
Since 1989, this program has provided Tustin's public schools grants to enrich curriculum in every grade level and every subject area. Grants of up to $2,500 are available for TUSD teachers or principals to help bring education alive and make it relevant to their students. This is a competitive program, with grants being selected by a diverse group of community members.

Congratulations to our 2008 Grant Recipients

Scholarships
The Tustin Public Schools Foundation (TPSF) administers three scholarships for Tustin Unified School District high school seniors - The Steve Hume Memorial Scholarship for Science, the Ryan Watanabe Memorial Scholarship for a Scholar Athlete and the Soroptimist International Scholarship.

Science Kits Program
This provides additional funds to replenish the consumables used in the elementary school Science Kits. Twelve disciplines of science are covered, such as motion, balls and ramps, solids and liquids, plants, animal, weather, electrical circuitry, rocks and minerals, wood, butterflies, changes and changes of state, and human body. Students are taught a subject through hands-on lessons, scientific experiments, writing reports in notebooks, then followed with performance and written testing to determine understanding and progress. Funds raised for the Science Kits Program will ultimately be used for all elementary schools.

Dinosaur Dash
This fun event is a 2K, 5K, and 10K citywide run/walk held each fall since 1991 to increase community awareness of the need for private support of public education. Sponsored by many of the local large and small businesses, this event has become a popular local event, bringing out more than 7,000 runners, walkers, observers and volunteers from all over the county. Dinosaur Dash XVIII will be held on November 2, 2008, at The Market Place in Tustin.

PATS (Parents Appreciating Teachers & Staff)
This program gives students, parents and community members an opportunity twice a year to say "thank you" to a special teacher or school staff member by giving a donation to the Foundation in the name of the honoree. A specially designed greeting card featuring the artwork of a student (see this year's design at left) is sent to each honoree. Available at the winter Holidays and end of the school year in June. Funds contributed through the PATS program will be restricted to the Banking on Books program to fund critically needed school library books.

Teachers Excellence Award Dinner
This program honors those exceptional teachers from each school who have made a difference to their students. The nominees are selected by their peers and administrators for their outstanding contributions to their students, and honored at an annual dinner. Cash awards are presented to each Teacher of the Year by The Irvine Company.

Volunteer
Extra help is needed with public relations, the Dinosaur Dash Committee, the Teacher of the Year dinner and on our Board of Directors. Whatever your talent, we can use it! Email us at info@tpsf.net or give us a call at 714/832-6299 to find out how you can help insure excellence in our schools.

Donate
Your tax deductible donation will help the over 20,000 students in the Tustin Unified School District. You provide the funding and we'll provide the tools for success.