CHS Islander News
Week of September 15-19, 2025
THIS WEEK
Homecoming Tickets Sales week 3 - see details below!
High School Voter Education Week
National Arts in Education Week:
Sept 15: Mexican Independence Day Celebration at lunch and staff luncheon generously provided by Inge Gonzales and families
Coronado Band and Choir Boosters Meeting 5:30 pm at CMS Granzer Hall
Sept 16: NHS Tutoring 3:30-4:30 pm in room 511
Sept 17: Homeroom Broadcast 11:07 am
Sept 18:NHS Tutoring at lunch in room 511
Sept 19:Quarter 1 Progress Report grading period ends
Quarter 1 Progress Report: Friday marks the end of the first progress reporting period for semester 1. Progress report grades will be available for viewing on Synergy on Sept. 27th. Progress report grades are NOT recorded on student transcripts. Please see the graphic below for more details. Be sure to use Canvas to check your students' grades throughout the school year.
It's National Arts in Education Week: This week, we recognize the transformative power of the arts in our school and community. Arts education, which encompasses a diverse range of disciplines-- including dance, music, theater, media arts, literature, design, and visual arts—plays an integral role in fostering a well-rounded education. The arts have a unique ability to inspire creativity, ignite critical thinking, and fuel innovation; essential skills for success in today’s rapidly evolving world.
Mexican Independence Day: On September 16, Mexicans around the globe will celebrate the anniversary of the country’s independence from Spain. Often confused with Cinco de Mayo, Mexico’s independence day actually marks the moment in 1810 when Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest known as Father Hidalgo, made the first cry for independence. This Friday during lunch, we will have decorations and a mariachi band in the quad for students to enjoy along with a staff luncheon to celebrate the historic event. Thank you to Inge Gonzales and all of the families who have generously donated to this event.
Emergency Preparedness:We conducted a lockdown drill on Friday, 9/12, during the 3rd period, and our Islanders did an excellent job following procedures. Teachers will continue to review safety protocols regularly. We appreciate the support of our CHS community in practicing these important emergency procedures.
National Honor Society -NHS: Fall applications for NHS are now available to CURRENT 11th and 12th grade students. Stop by room 311 and see Ms. Evenson for the Coronado High School NHS Application Materials. Complete applications are due no later than Fri., Oct. 3 at 3:30 pm in room 311. Email michelle.evenson@coronadousd.net for questions. No materials will be sent electronically.
- NHS peer tutoring has begun. Come to room 511 on Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. or Thursdays at lunch. This is a great way to get support with classwork and test prep.
Yearbook and ID Photo Make Up Day: Tuesday, Sep. 23, 8:30-11:30 in the MPR: If you did not have your photo taken or receive your ID during registration in August, please be on the lookout for a photo call slip that will tell you when to go to the MPR for a quick headshot that will also be used in the yearbook portrait section. If you do not get a call slip and you know you did not have your photo taken, please go to the MPR during break between 1st and 2nd periods to get the photo taken.
Tardy Sweeps: CHS administration holds unannounced tardy sweeps periodically throughout the school year. Students arriving after the class period tardy bell will be directed to the multipurpose room (MPR) where they will check in with their student ID and be marked tardy. Within a few minutes after checking in, they will be sent to class. Additionally, in alignment with our classroom cell phone policy and to minimize distractions and encourage engagement, phones will be collected. Students may pick them up from the front office at the end of their school day.
Our goal is to create a positive, focused learning environment for everyone. We ask for your support in reinforcing the importance of punctuality. Please help ensure that your student is arriving at school on time and ready to learn. If there are any challenges preventing timely arrival, we encourage you to reach out so we can work together on solutions in helping our students succeed! We appreciate your support and partnership in making Coronado High School a place where every student can thrive.
Lunch: Students are expected to return to campus on time for period 3. Thank you for reminding your student that respectful behavior on and off campus is an expectation of all CHS Islanders.
Open/Closed Campus: New Board Policy (5112.5, 6/5/2025) “establishes an open campus at grades 9-12” granting eligible students “the privilege of leaving campus during lunch.” Notably, this policy recognizes that students leaving campus for lunch is a “privilege,” and not a right. CHS Administrators “may revoke the open campus privilege for individual students for disciplinary and attendance reasons.” Students “shall not leave school grounds at any other time during the school day without express permission of school authorities."
PSAT Testing Information:If your student is registered to take the PSAT on October 18th, you will be receiving email correspondence in the next several weeks with information regarding testing day arrival time and room locations. Please reach out to Mrs. Lewis if you have any questions.
The AP Testing Registration and Payment Website is now OPEN. The Fall payment deadline is November 2, 2025. Please visit our school website for full registration and payment information by clicking the following link:
Please reach out to Mrs. Lewis, wendy.lewis@coronadousd.net if you have any questions.
Attendance for 25-26: CHS is encouraging students to be responsible for their attendance by being punctual and on time for class. We appreciate your support in this effort to be respectful by being on time. There are student incentives for regular attendance, alongside monthly tardy sweeps.
Absences: In the event of an absence, please complete and submit the CHS Parent Verification of Attendance Form (Google), OR contact Rina Parodi in the attendance office at 619-522-8907 EX. 2094.
- If you have any questions concerning attendance verification, please contact Rina Parodi via email at rina.parodi@coronadousd.net or call at (619)522-8907 ext. 2094
CHS Broadcast: Watch Islander Insider Live - Every Wednesday at 11:07 am
- Club Presidents: if you have an announcement you’d like us to make on the show, complete the Student Access Homeroom Announcements
Canvas: Staying in the know about your student's classes and grades is an important part of our partnership in educating your child. Please be sure to regularly check Canvas . For login directions: https://bit.ly/CUSDCanvasparent
Note: You do not need to create an account from scratch. You will need to use your current email as your username (the email address you use for Synergy/ParentVue) and then reset your password.
Technology Help: Please use this resource when you have questions about technology. Student and Parent Technology.
Campus Safety: We appreciate you following safety policies and protocols. Guests are required to always check in at the front office. ALL visitors must present their identification when visiting campus.
Bike Safety: Bikes and E-Bikes: Please remind your student to wear their helmet and follow all traffic laws while riding their bikes to school. Our top priority is to keep our students and community safe at all times.
Congratulations, Roxy Langevin
Officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) announced the names of more than 16,000 Semifinalists in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program and Roxy Langevin is proudly among them. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title. We wish Roxy all the best!
Please mark you calendars for the CoSA Foundation and CoSA Council Community Carnival on September 23rd.
5:15 PM-6:00Pm in the theatre. Hear from the Foundation, Council and staff
6:00PM-6:45PM in the Quad for activities, games, connections and more....
Take Action! Know the Signs Website
Know the Signs - Learn the warning signs
Find the Words - Learn how to speak to someone
Reach out - You are not alone, access resources
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
CUSD Suicide Prevention Website
CUSD has a new website as well that you can access HERE with additional information on suicide prevention and awareness.
SDCOE Parent Resources for Suicide Prevention - Access HERE
A great read: The Anxious Generation
XELLO - CHS’S COLLEGE AND CAREER PLATFORM - PARENT/GUARDIAN ROLL-OUT - MONDAY SEPTEMBER 22ND
Xello is the college and career platform for CHS. Using Xello, students document their journey as they build self-knowledge, explore career and post-secondary options, create plans, apply to colleges, select courses, and continually reassess as they take in new knowledge, skills, and experiences. By enabling Xello’s Family Portal, we are giving you a front-row view to the work your child is completing in Xello through your Xello Family Account. On Monday, September 22nd, you will receive an email from noreply@xello inviting you to create your Family Account, if you are new to CHS. An email message from CHS will be sent to parents as well.
NEW! INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
See the CHS Internship Opportunities Document for internship details and how to apply.
Fall College Visits!
Private and Public college representatives from California and across the country come to visit CHS during lunch in the College and Career Center (CCC) to meet with students. Check out CHS College Visits Fall 2025 for a comprehensive list or look below for the upcoming visits.
DATE COLLEGE
- Wed Sep 17th, 2025 George Washington University
- Thu Sep 18th, 2026 Bard College
- Fri Sep 19th, 2025 Northwestern University
Tue Sep 23rd, 2025 Pitzer College
Wed Sep 24th, 2025 University of Glasgow
Thu Sep 25th, 2025 University of Connecticut
Fri Sep 26th, 2025 University of Arizona
SENIORS! Important Upcoming Events
Senior Counseling Assembly - Thank you for attending the Class of 2026 assembly on September 11th. Please access the Senior Assembly Class of 2026 Presentation for the complete slidedeck. It is loaded with information and resource links for the college application process, including the xello platform requirements. Please come to the college application workshops for more in-depth walk throughs for each application.
Counseling Appointments - Beginning September 15th seniors will have their individual counseling meeting with their school counselor to review credits and post-secondary plans. Seniors will receive a call slip for their appointment. Please attend these very important meetings!
College Application Workshops - Start September 15th (see details below)
College Night - October 1st - Application Details from College Reps (see details below)
Fall CHS College Application Counseling Workshops - Seniors
CHS Counselors will have informative sessions and drop-in help availability on various topics throughout the fall on Mondays during lunch in room 202. The following are the workshops offered:
September 15th - Common Application & Xello/Letters of Recommendation
September 22nd - UC Applications & CCGI
September 29th - College Essays & Scholarships
October 6th - Cal State Applications
October 20th - Military Academies & ROTC Scholarships
October 27th, November 3rd, 17th-21st, December 1st - College Application Drop-in Workshops
College Night for ALL Students and Parents - Wednesday October 1, 2025 at 6:00pm
We are excited to host college night in the CHS Theater. This is a night filled with a presentation by the CHS counselors and then there will be breakout sessions with college representatives to learn more about the UC system and application with UCI, Cal State system with SDSU and Cal State San Marcos, Private Colleges with University of San Diego, and Application Strategies with Kaplan Educational Group. This event is for all grades levels and both students and parents. Don’t miss this informative event!
Homecoming season is here!
Our Homecoming Spirit is coming up NEXT week:
Monday, 9/22 Pajama Day
Tuesday, 9/23 Glitter Day (wear glitter on face, clothes, etc.)
Wednesday, 9/24 Semi Formal (Dress really nice day)
Thursday, 9/25 Crazy Hat Day (not a baseball cap)
Friday, 9/26 Class Shirt Day
The Pep Rally, Parade, Game, and King and Queen crowning are all on September 26th, with the dance on September 27th. Tickets sales end this week. They can be purchased at the student store.
DANCE INFO:
All CHS Students are cordially invited to our Homecoming Dance! This year’s theme is “A Night in Vegas.”
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, September 27th
Time: 6:45 pm-9:45 pm
Location: Nova, San Diego
454 Sixth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
Ticket Sales:
Tickets will be available for purchase starting September 2nd and will be sold until September 19th. Tickets are not sold at the door.
Ticket Prices:
Week 3 (9/15-9/19):
$70 for ASB Card Holders
$80 for non ASB Card Holders.
Purchase Information:
Tickets can be purchased at the student store during lunch each day. They can additionally be purchased for 30 minutes after the 4th period on September 17, 18, 19
Please note: Tickets will not be sold at the door and will not be available after September 19th.
Students must be in good standing to be eligible to purchase a ticket (detentions must be served and outstanding charges cleared).
All students wishing to attend must have a hard copy of the 2025-2026 Dance Contract (button below) on file with our ASB Clerk, Mrs. Contreras. Be sure to bring your signed dance contract when purchasing your tickets at the student store.
Don’t miss out on this exciting event! We look forward to seeing you there!
ASB (Associated Student Body)
CLUBS: We have 83 different clubs on campus this year! There is something for everyone. If you missed club signups during rush, no worries! Students can join a club any time they would like at any time.Get involved with a club that matches your interests. A list of all of our CHS clubs and their meeting times and locations can be found here.
Get Connected!
Stay in the loop with Islander Student Activities!
Student Activities Calendar Dates will be added as events are planned and approved throughout the year
ASB Canvas Page
Instagram @coronadoasb
Class of 2026 Instagram: @CHS.Islanders26
Class of 2027 Instagram: @chs.islanders27
Class of 2028 Instagram:@chs.islanders28
Class of 2029 Instagram: TBD
Fall Sports have started! Come out and support your Islander teams. See the schedule button below
Support Girls Volleyball and save money around town. Here is a link to IMPACT ORDER FORM $20-coupon cards with 12 local deals good for unlimited use on the Island.
Llink to order Volleyball ISLANDER MERCH PRE-ORDER FORM.
Link to order Water Polo Swag: https://chs-boys-water-polo.square.site/
Link to support Football with Islander gear: https://ipdspirit.com/collections/coronado
CHS Athletic Director: Aaron.brooks@coronadousd.net
We are excited to announce that the CHS Library is a site for The Children’s Book Council Young Adult Favorites Awards this year and is the only California high school site chosen! This is a national reading program organized by the New York based nonprofit, The Children’s Book Council (CBC). Young readers across the entire country will read and vote for their favorite new books this fall, and their top picks will become the Young Adult Favorites Awards, a free resource for teachers, librarians, and booksellers nationwide in 2026!
Here is the 2025 Young Adult Favorites Awards list.
The CHS library has two bookshelves dedicated to this year’s books that are under consideration. Both students and staff members are welcome to check them out and vote using the ballot provided. Make your voice heard by reading and voting on any of these newly published books that range from nonfiction to poetry to fiction genres of romance, realistic fiction, dystopian, mystery, horror, fantasy, historical, as well as graphic novels!
· CHS Library Digital Resources Brochure
o If you don’t have access to our CHS Library Canvas yet, please enroll at this link after you and your student have been provided with Canvas access: https://bit.ly/CHSlibraryCanvas
Library Hours and Contact
· CHS Library Hours: 8am – 4pm on school days
· CHS Library Extension: 2088
· CHS Library General Email: chslibrary@coronadousd.net
WHAT:
Student Rotarian opportunity coming in August!
WHY:
Become an honorary Rotarian for one month. Attend a Rotary meeting, participate in service projects such as Beach Clean Up & Flags on the Avenue
WHO:
10 CHS Student Rotarians to be selected via application process at the beginning of 25-26 school year
Class of 2026 Seniors are eligible to apply in August
WHEN:
10 students to each serve for one month participating as honorary members of the Coronado Rotary Club during the 2025-2026 School Year
Student Rotarian application available on August 1st. Submissions due 09/05/25
QUESTIONS:
If you have questions regarding the CHS Student Rotarian Program offered by the Rotary Club of Corondo, please contact Rotary member Jane Braun jane@coronadoadvisor.com
Voice of Democracy:
· Open to students in grades 9-12 enrolled by Oct. 31st deadline
· Submit a 3–5-minute audio and written essay
· This year’s theme is, “How are you showing patriotism and support for our country?”
· VFW Post 2422 will award $4,000 to the top VOD and PP essayists
· VFW Post 2422 will nominate the winner to compete at the District and National level with national prize levels of $35,000
The CHS PTO has lots of amazing things planned for the students, teachers and staff this year! As always we cannot do what we do without the help of our amazing CHS Families!
Thank you for taking the time to help us support our awesome CHS students, teachers and staff. CHS PTO is looking forwarding to a fantastic school year! Go Islanders!
PTO Executive Board 2025-2026
Liz Riebe, President (coronadoptopres@gmail.com)
Alison Gregory, Vice President
Arlene Ventimiglia, Secretary
Keli Craig, Treasurer
Mandy Cohn: Hospitality
Coronado High School
Website: https://chs.coronadousd.net/
Location: 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, USA
Phone: 619.522.8907
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoronadoIslanders