Parent Resources

Weekly Newsletters

Tijeras Creek Times

April 20 - 24, 2026

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:

Welcome Back to School

I hope everyone had a restful and relaxing spring break. We are now in the back half of our school year. We are preparing for the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) for grades 3-5 . Here is our testing schedule for April/ May.

5th grade

Science- April 28- April 30

ELA- May4- May 8

Math- May 11 to May 14

3rd/4th grade

ELA-May 11 to May 14

Math-May 18 to May 21

Here are some tips you can use at home.

* Keep a regular bedtime

* Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep, especially before testing days.

* Provide a healthy breakfast

* Help your child start the day with a good breakfast so they have energy to focus.

* Encourage reading at home

* Have your child read for 15 to 20 minutes each day and talk about what they read.

* Practice basic math facts

* Spend a few minutes reviewing math facts and solving simple word problems.

* Stay positive and encouraging

Remind your child to do their best, take their time, and believe in themselves.

Our students have worked hard all year and this is just one measure of their success. Be sure to send your children to school on those testing dates.

Thank you for your support.

School of choice window for Tijeras Creek

The School of Choice window will be open from April 20 through April 26, 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 decide to stay at Tijeras Creek for 2026-2027, you will still have the same opportunity to switch schools that you are offered now. Tijeras Creek students will be tagged and given the opportunity to choose the school of their choice except for Escenia which is currently impacted.

Thank You

I was in the PTA executive meeting today and they were presented with a check for $525 from OC Music Center. They rent instruments to our students and they have been doing this for many years. Thank you for your support of Tijeras Creek.

“Success = seeking opportunities + preparedness + ACTION.”

— Jen Fraser

Let’s have a great Week !

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!

https://youtu.be/7fRrShZGyBc

Calling all Tijeras Creek Artists!

Last chance to register your artist into the museum. If you're young artist is interested in having their art displayed for all students and the TC Community, please complete this form by Monday, 4/20 (extended due to QR code failure on the flier). Art must be delivered to school the morning of Thursday 4/23 for our museum on Friday the 24th. Please follow the link to register!

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

April Breakfast & Lunch Menu

Parenting in the Early Years - Family Workshop

Calling all parents of children ages 0–5! Join our Parenting in the Early Years workshop, hosted by our Early Childhood Programs team. This supportive workshop is open to all families with young children, whether or not your child is enrolled in CUSD.

Learn simple ways to support your child’s development at home, turn everyday activities into learning, and encourage positive behavior and cooperation.

See flyer for dates, times, and locations. Attend any session that works for you; no registration is required! For more information, call 949-234-5341.

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.

Next STEP Safe Travels Education Program – Free Opportunity for Schools:

The Next STEP Safe Travels Education Program offers schools free resources and activities designed to promote safe walking and biking to school. Through the Orange County Safe Routes to School initiative, participating sites can receive supports such as student assemblies, walk/bike events, safety skill-building activities, and family outreach materials—all designed to be flexible and easy to implement. This is a no-cost opportunity to support student wellness, safety, and community engagement. For more information and resources contact: www.octa.net/Walk/Safe-Routes-to-School/OC-Step/

Before and After School Enrichment | Session 4

Tijeras CreekSession 4: March 30th - May 28thFull program details? Visit our website,https://saddleback.augusoft.nettype the Class ID in the search bar, click on the class title for descriptions and more
Kidcreate: Art Explorers - Class ID 20004Start date - March 30thLocation - Tijeras Creek ESTues 2:10 - 3:10
Academic Chess - Class ID 20006Start date - April 1stLocation - Tijeras Creek ESWed 12:55 PM - 1:55 PM
Dance: Hip Hop & Jazz - Class ID 20005Start date - April 14thLocation - Tijeras Creek ESTues 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 CampWhile 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 InnovationWeek 2 - Quest Builders: Strategic GamingWeek 3 - Showstoppers: We've Got Game!Week 4 - Trailblazers: The Great OutdoorsWeek 5 - Code Quest: The Tech TrialsWeek 6 - The Great Build Off: Engineering & DesignWeek 8 - Culinary Showdown: Flavor PlayoffsWeek 9 - Mind Masters: Puzzle PlayoffsWeek 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 Developmentmreynoso@ymcaoc.org 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

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

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!