Roadrunner Monthly News
August 2026
Principal's Corner
Dear Families,
The first two weeks of school have gotten off to a wonderful start! Thank you for partnering with us as we begin another school year. Your support, encouragement, and involvement make a meaningful difference in our students’ success.
This year, we are focused on building our community together. A strong school community grows when students, families, and staff work together, communicate openly, and support one another. Every connection matters, and every family is an important part of who we are.
We want our students to feel welcomed, valued, and supported each day. We also want families to know that your voice matters. Please continue to reach out, ask questions, share ideas, and connect with us. Together, we can create a school community where everyone feels that they belong.
Thank you for trusting us with your children and for being an important part of our school family. We are excited about the year ahead and all that we can accomplish together!
With appreciation,
Don Belknap
Principal
Calendar
Attendance Information
How to Contact Attendance Clerk
Please email the following to our attendance clerk:
- Doctor's notes, dentist's notes, appointment slips, passport appointment paperwork, funeral announcements
- We will no longer take phone calls for verified absences.
- Email: westernhills_notes@episd.org
Welcome Back - Western Hills 101
Roadrunner families,
Please take the time to watch the below video. It will cover drop off, pick up, and all the other important Roadrunner information. Thank you.
Science Spotlight
Students are exploring the physical properties of matter through hands-on investigations in science. They may observe, measure, sort, and compare different materials based on properties such as color, texture, size, shape, mass, temperature, magnetism, and whether an object sinks or floats. Students will use science tools, record their observations, and discuss how physical properties can be used to describe and classify matter.
Transportation
Parents,
For your child to ride the bus, the school MUST have a blue transportation form turned into the office. Please make sure your child's teacher is aware how they will be going home every day.
SPED Parents and Parents with riders 2nd Grade and lower:
Please ensure you have someone at the stop for when your student is dropped off. If you are not there, they bring the students back to the school.
Important Links
Parent Portal
VIPS Background check
Western Hills Website
Roadrunner PTA
Whether a parent, family member, educator, or community member, your PTA membership will impact the lives of millions of Texas children. Thank you for joining us in ensuring every child has a representative voice.https://www.joinpta.org/
Important Contacts
Don Belknap, Principal - drbelkna@episd.org
Danielle Coppinger, Asst. Principal - drcoppin@episd.org
Raquel Hernandez, counselor - rherna11@episd.org
Janet Chaparro, counselor- jmchapar@episd.org
Pam Newby, nurse - panewby@episd.org
Lisa Guzman, secretary - ljguzman@episd.org
Heather Dunscomb, PEIMS clerk - hdunscom@episd.org
Roadrunner Mission & Vision Statement
School Mission:
Students will have the opportunity to participate in sustainability projects relevant to our desert region through hands-on environmental learning experiences.
School Vision:
To deliver exceptional education, empowering students to reach their potential.

