Weekly Newsletters
Tijeras Creek Times
April 6 - 13, 2026 No School
Follow us on Instagram: @TCTrailblazers
Mission Statement: “Together we strive to ensure all students will achieve at or above grade level.”
“Together We Rise”
Principal Letter:
Introduction of Tijeras Creek Principal for 2026-2027
It is my pleasure to introduce the new Tijeras Creek Principal for the 2026-2027 school year and her name is Amanda Soboleski, she is coming to us with over 20 years of experience in Capistrano School District. Here is her welcome letter.
Dear Tijeras Creek Community,
It is with both excitement and a deep sense of responsibility that I introduce myself as your principal for the upcoming school year. I am honored to join this community and to work alongside your dedicated staff, students, and families.
I also want to acknowledge what many of you are already aware of. The district is currently considering the future of Tijeras Creek, including the possibility of school closure. I understand that this creates uncertainty and strong emotions for students, families, and staff. While I do not have outcomes to share at this time, I want you to know that I am committed to being present, transparent, and focused on what matters most. Every student deserves a strong, stable, and positive school experience, and that remains our priority each day.
Tijeras Creek has strong traditions, a deep sense of community, and a clear commitment to students. I am proud to join a campus where students are supported, challenged, and celebrated, and where staff work collaboratively to ensure success for all learners. I look forward to honoring what makes this school unique and sustaining the pride and spirit of the Tijeras Creek Tigers.
I bring 24 years of experience in Capistrano Unified, having served as a teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal. Most recently, I have been at Bernice Ayer Middle School, where I supported curriculum, instruction, and student programs. My work has focused on building strong instructional systems and ensuring that all students learn at high levels.
I also want to share that I have been selected to open Rienda TK-8 in Rancho Mission Viejo for the 2027–28 school year. I see this as an extension of my commitment to this community and our district. The work we do together now to support students, strengthen programs, and build a positive culture matters, and I am fully invested in serving Tijeras Creek during this important time.
I believe strong schools are built through collaboration, clear communication, and a shared commitment to students. Especially during times of uncertainty, those commitments matter even more. I am dedicated to working alongside you to support students academically and emotionally, and to ensure that every child feels safe, valued, and successful at school.
As I step into this role, I am eager to listen, learn, and build relationships with this community. Thank you for the opportunity to serve your students. I look forward to partnering with you in the months ahead.
In partnership,
Amanda Soboleski
Amanda Soboleski
School of choice window for Tijeras Creek
The School of Choice window will be open from April 20 through May 1, 2026. During this time, Arroyo Vista, Las Flores, and Wagon Wheel will be hosting school tours to provide families with the opportunity to visit and learn more about each campus.
If you are considering a school change, we encourage you to take advantage of these tours to explore your options and determine what best meets your child’s needs.
Please note that Tijeras Creek will remain open for the 2026–2027 school year. We understand that selecting the right school is an important decision for every family.
If you have any questions or would like additional support, please feel free to contact me via email or reach out to the front office. We are here to help you through this process.
Spring Break April 6 to April 10
Spring Break will take place from April 6 through April 10. Please note that the campus will be closed during this time. Students will return to school on Monday, April 13.
We look forward to several exciting events in the weeks ahead, including Spring Fest, Outdoor Science Camp, and the Smarter Balanced Assessments for students in grades 3–5.
We encourage all students and families to take this opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy quality time together. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready to finish the school year strong.
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you.” — Anne Lamott
Andrew Klinkenberg
Principal, Tijeras Creek Elementary
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ASB News
Our ASB News team is at it again. They have overcome the technical issues of late to bring you an awesome edition of the February news...in April. Please enjoy this 100% student run newscast!
Calling all Tijeras Creek Artists!
It is time for the 3rd annual ASB - Tijeras Creek Art Museum! If you have a Tijeras Creek Artist ready to showcase their talent, please complete this Google Form by April 15th. Artwork must be delivered to campus on April 23rd and will be available in our Tijeras Creek Art Museum on Friday, April 24th. Students will tour the museum throughout the day and parents can visit after school until 3:00. Start by clicking on this Art Museum Registration Form, read all details and requirements, complete the form, and let the creative juices flow
Office Hours: 7:30 am - 3:00 pm
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.
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, helabrie@capousd.org to reserve your spot and make the moment magical.
CUSD CARES - Safety & Well-Being Expo
Please join the 2026 Safety and Well-Being Expo at San Juan Elementary School on April 20, 2026 from 4:00-6:30 pm. Please see the flyer for more information. 2026 Safety and Well-Being Expo
Food & Nutrition News
Early Childhood - First 5 OC Pro Fathering online learning experience
First 5 OC is promoting a National Fatherhood Initiative, and is offering a free online learning experience for fathers.
ProFathering15™ is an online learning experience made just for dads!
Fathers may access ProFathering15 from any mobile device or tablet, anytime.
They will learn about 15 topics, 15 minutes each.
Available at no cost by First 5 OC and National Fatherhood Initiative.
For more information, please see our F5OC ProFathering15 flyer.
Before and After School Enrichment | Session 4
REGISTER TODAY! Subscribe to Saddleback’s Newsletter to get direct notifications on classes!
Tijeras Creek
Session 4: March 30th - May 28th
Full program details? Visit our website,https://saddleback.augusoft.net
type the Class ID in the search bar, click on the class title for descriptions and more
Kidcreate: Art Explorers - Class ID 20004
Start date - March 30th
Location - Tijeras Creek ES
Tues 2:10 - 3:10
Academic Chess - Class ID 20006
Start date - April 1st
Location - Tijeras Creek ES
Wed 12:55 PM - 1:55 PM
Dance: Hip Hop & Jazz - Class ID 20005
Start date - April 14th
Location - Tijeras Creek ES
Tues 2:10 - 3:10
Academic Chess will be hosting a Chess DEMO on campus, May 18th during lunch for grades 1-5.
YMCA - Your All-Inclusive Summer Adventure Awaits at the YMCA☀️
Are you ready to trade the "Summer Tetris" of piecing together weekly classes for a season of effortless fun? This year, the YMCA of Orange County invites your child to become a Champion in the Making!
We know you have choices when it comes to summer, but why settle for just one "club" when you can have it all? Our 2026 Summer Day Camp is designed as an All-Inclusive Pass to discovery, growth, and high-energy excitement.
🏆 The YMCA Difference: More Than Just a Camp
While others offer weekly classes, we provide a transformational experience that builds character and skill through:
Weekly Skill-Building Clubs: From artistic innovation to engineering, our "club" style blocks allow campers to dive deep into specific interests and develop real-world talents.
STEM & Strategic Thinking: Whether they are participating in "Code Quests" or "The Great Build Off," your child will engage in daily hands-on STEM challenges.
Leadership Development & Service Learning: We empower our campers to lead! Through our service learning projects, kids gain "social agency" by giving back to their local community.
Weekly Championships: Every Friday, we celebrate our progress with "Playoff" challenges and championships where every child has the chance to shine.
🎢 Adventure Delivered
Forget about extra fees and logistical headaches. Our monthly rate covers the entire experience:
1-2 Weekly Field Trips: We take the fun on the road to premier Southern California destinations!
On-Site Professional Vendors: From foam parties and bounce houses to specialized workshops, the best entertainment comes directly to our camp.
Local Walking Trips: We stay connected to our neighborhood with walking excursions to local venues and parks.
Specialty Dress-Up Days: Every week features a new theme—from Superhero Day to Hawaiian Luaus!
🗓️ 10 Weeks of Epic Themes
Each week features a unique curriculum designed to keep campers engaged all summer long:
Week 1 - Rule Breakers & Game Makers: Artistic Innovation
Week 2 - Quest Builders: Strategic Gaming
Week 3 - Showstoppers: We've Got Game!
Week 4 - Trailblazers: The Great Outdoors
Week 5 - Code Quest: The Tech Trials
Week 6 - The Great Build Off: Engineering & Design
Week 8 - Culinary Showdown: Flavor Playoffs
Week 9 - Mind Masters: Puzzle Playoffs
Week 10 - The Grand Finale: Playbook Championship
Space is limited and filling fast! Give your child a summer of variety and give yourself the peace of mind that comes with the YMCA.
🏫 Contact us for more details:
Mayra Reynoso, Director - Child & Youth Development
949-635-9622
👉 Register Today: https://ymcaoc.org/summer
We can't wait to see you in the winner's circle!
Stand Up to Trash - Earth Day Celebration in Dana Point
Join us for a morning of movement,community action for Earth Day!
🧘 Yoga, Beach Cleanup and 2nd our Community Clothing Swap
📅 Saturday, April 18
⏰ 8:00 – 11:00 AM
📍 Baby Beach & Ocean Institute, Dana Point
📅 Saturday, April 18
⏰ 8:00 – 11:00 AM
📍 Baby Beach & Ocean Institute, Dana Point
Register for event HERE
Morning Schedule
8:00 – 9:00 AM | Yoga on the grass at Baby Beach
9:00 – 10:30 AM | Community Beach Cleanup
10:30 – 11:00 AM | Lunch & Learn
9:00 – 10:30 AM | Community Beach Cleanup
10:30 – 11:00 AM | Lunch & Learn
Plus… our 2nd Community Clothing Swap! 👕♻️
A clothing swap is one of the simplest (and most fun!) ways to keep textiles out of landfills, cut down on waste and spark conversations about how our everyday choices ripple out to the sea. 🌊
Bring a few gently used items, discover something new-to-you and be part of a community that believes small actions create big waves.
✨ Last time the community showed up in a big way, keeping hundreds of pounds of clothing in circulation.
With your help, we can make this one even bigger!
Bring a friend, bring a bag, and celebrate Earth Day with purpose!