Weekly Newsletters
Tijeras Creek Times
October 13 to October 17, 2025
Follow us on Instagram: @TCTrailblazers
Mission Statement: “Together we strive to ensure all students will achieve at or above grade level.”
Principal Letter:
“Together We Rise”
Celebrating 25 years of School at Tijeras
How fun it was to have a schoolwide photo to celebrate our 25 years of being an elementary school in the CAPO school district. Thank you to all who helped to arrange and get these photos taken. We will have more information available for upcoming events to celebrate.
Great California Shake Out – October 17, 2025
On Friday , October 17, at 8:30AM , Tijeras Creek Elementary will participate in the Great California ShakeOut, a statewide earthquake preparedness drill.
During the drill, students and staff will:
- Drop, Cover, and Hold On to protect themselves during simulated shaking
- Practice safe evacuation procedures
- Review emergency protocols calmly and carefully
This annual event helps our school community stay prepared and confident in the event of an earthquake. Families are encouraged to take a few minutes at home to review earthquake safety steps together.
Guest Principal Friday October 17
Next Friday, we are excited to welcome Josh Bastian from the RSM Chamber of Commerce as our Guest Principal of the Day. This special experience offers community members the opportunity to see our school in action and strengthen the connection between Tijeras Creek Elementary and the Rancho Santa Margarita community.
Please join us in giving Mr. Bastian a warm Tijeras Creek welcome as he spends the day learning about our students, staff, and programs.
THERE IS SCHOOL ON MONDAY! HAPPY COLUMBUS DAY BUT SEE YOU AT SCHOOL.
“Safety and security don’t just happen; they are the result of collective consensus and public investment.” — Nelson Mandela
Let’s have a great week
Andrew Klinkenberg
Principal, Tijeras Creek Elementary
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CUSD Phonics to Fluency Event 10/16/2025 at 6:00 pm:
Dear CUSD Families,
Our next parent workshop is scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. The workshop is titled, From Phonics to Fluency: How Reading is Taught and How You Can Help, and will be facilitated by Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction PK/TK-5, Brad Shearer; Reannah Sartoris, K-12 Humanities Coordinator II; and one of our amazing teachers, Kendra Gerhard from Concordia Elementary.
You can attend the workshop by visiting us at the CUSD Education Center at 33122 Valle Road in the city of San Juan Capistrano. The workshop will be held in the Board Room.
The workshop will also be livestreamed and recorded. You can view the livestream here.
Why is reading proficiency important by Third grade?
- Early success in reading forms a foundation not only for academics but also for self-esteem, emotional regulation, and resilience.
- Enjoying reading fosters relaxation, confidence, and coping skills.
- A Yale Child Study Center–Scholastic study (“Reading for Life”) reports that strong early literacy is linked not only to academic success but also to lifelong physical and mental health benefits, including lower anxiety, fewer aggressive behaviors, and healthier life trajectories.
- In a major study of over 10,000 adolescents, researchers from Cambridge University found that early reading for pleasure (between ages 2–9) showed improved brain structure, cognitive performance, and mental health in adolescence—especially with around 12 hours/week of reading.
We look forward to seeing you!
Sincerely,
Ryan Burris
Chief Communications
and Public Engagement Officer
Chief Communications
and Public Engagement Officer
Links in this email: In-Person RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0JzLTwdVh16XamoWhuYkPH_YxwjKGX39b-NtQ1LJHoXi6rg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=110946243767328628835
CUSD Qustodio App and Online Safety Hub
The District has two valuable resources to help ensure students' safety and well-being online: the Capistrano Unified School District’s Online Safety Hub and the Qustodio Parent App.
Learn more by watching the Qustodio Online Safety Video
CUSD Parent Workshop -
Mindfulness workshop for Parents. CUSD invites you to their three-session virtual workshop, held October 27th, November 3rd, and November 13th from 6:00 pm -7:00 pm. Please see the flyer for the registration link. Mindfulness for Parents
Office Hours: 7:30 am - 3:00 pm
Reminder: Please do not drop off students before 7:30 a.m.
As a friendly reminder, please do not drop off students before 7:30 a.m. Staff supervision is not available until that time, and for their safety, students should not be left unattended on school grounds. Thank you for your cooperation!
Birthday Shout Out on Marquee
Celebrate in style! Make someone's birthday unforgettable with a personalized marquee shoutout. For just $35, surprise them with a special message that lights up the day!
Payable by cash or check to TC Boosters. (Only 2 spots available per week)
Contact Heidi, helbrie@capousd.org to reserve your spot and make the moment magical.
Food & Nutrition News
Food & Nutrition Service is Hiring! We are looking for Food Service Professionals, Substitute Food Service Professionals, and a Senior Food Service Professional to join our team across the district.
- Hours: 15-30 per week (most positions include health and welfare benefits)
- Starting Pay: $18.10/hour
- Schedule: Work while your kids are in school - no nights, weekends, or holidays!
Interactive menus with allergens, pictures, and nutrition information can also be found on the Food & Nutrition website capistrano.healtheliving.net
YMCA
Are you looking for a safe, fun-filled program? Enroll in the Tijeras Creek YMCA today! The YMCA program is located right on your school campus, offering TK-5th grade students full-time and part-time options to fit your family’s needs.
Program Highlights
- Hours are 6:45am-6:00pm
- Full Time and Part Time options available
- Located on school campus
- Highly-qualified staff
- Academic enrichment
- STEM curriculum/ Student Clubs (e.g. Cooking, Art, eSports, Photography)
- Service learning projects
- Financial assistance available!
Mayra Reynoso, Director
949-635-9622