CHS Islander News

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year, Islander Families! We hope you had a fantastic summer and you're ready for a terrific year ahead!! The CHS Team and I are excited to see your students on

Monday, August 10, for the first day of school.

"All For One . One For All"

Go, ISLANDERS!

Still need to complete registration?

1. Print Affidavit (You will come across it during the registration process.)
2. Bring the completed Affidavit and 2 Proofs of Residency (original and a Xerox copy for us to keep of each Proof of Residency) to the CHS Office Residency Verification Requirements

August 4th: CUSD New Family Welcome and Ice Cream Social CUSD Board Room, 4:00-5:30 p.m. (flyer below)

August 6th and 7th: Schedule pick up and school ID/yearbook photo. See times above.

August 7th: New Student and Freshman Orientation: All new students and freshmen are invited to our new student orientation on Friday, Aug.7th from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m at CHS. The orientation will be hosted by our ASB. It will begin in the theater and then move onto campus where students will have the opportunity to tour the school and connect with some of our clubs, sports teams, and community groups. This is a student only event. Parents/guardians and guests are asked to drop students off and pick them up at the end of the event.

• Students should pick up their schedules and get their photo taken BEFORE orientation.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL IS AUGUST 10th, 2026

Campus opens at 8:00 am

CHS front office closes at 4:00 pm

Dear Islander Students and Families,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! I’m honored to begin my sixth year as principal of CHS and to continue supporting our dedicated staff, kind and curious students, engaged families, and the vibrant Coronado community.

We believe that every child, every day, deserves a connection, a challenge, and a champion. At CHS, our Islanders find meaningful connections through dynamic classroom experiences, CoSA conservatories, career pathway courses, diverse electives, clubs, ASB events, athletics, cherished Islander traditions, and so much more.

We take pride in celebrating the individuality of each student and honoring the diverse backgrounds, values, and perspectives that enrich our school community. Our commitment is to prepare students to learn, grow, and thrive as responsible, compassionate, and informed citizens.

As we begin this new school year, I look forward to building a respectful and caring partnership with you. Together, we will continue to make student success our top priority and ensure CHS remains a place where students feel encouraged, safe, challenged, supported—and proud to be Islanders.

I hope you’re enjoying a well-deserved summer break. I can’t wait to welcome you back soon.

Go, Islanders!

Respectfully,
Karin Mellina

Mrs. Lewis : We are thrilled to welcome back Mrs. Lewis for her third year as assistant principal at Coronado High School. Her continued dedication, leadership, and deep care for our students remain invaluable to our school community.

Mr. Rick Ayala : Please give a warm Islander welcome to Mr. Rick Ayala, who joins CHS as our newest assistant principal! Mr. Ayala is no stranger to high school administration, bringing 22 years of exceptional experience from the San Dieguito Union School District, where he previously served as the principal of Sunset High School and an Assistant Principal at Torrey Pines High School. Over the course of his career, Mr. Ayala has also served as a Social Science Teacher, ASB Director, and Baseball Coach. He is a San Diego native and a graduate of Mount Miguel High School and San Diego State University.

Mr. Ayala and his wife, Krista, are the proud parents of two children, Kyra and Ryan, both of whom graduated from Valhalla High School and the University of Alabama. In his spare time, Mr. Ayala enjoys traveling, playing golf and pickleball, and attending sporting events and concerts. He is a die-hard Padre fan who hopes to one day see his team win a World Series.

Both Mrs. Lewis and Mr. Ayala are eager to build and strengthen meaningful connections with our students, staff, and families. Their combined leadership promises an incredible, supportive environment for our community, and they look forward to a fantastic school year ahead!

Kristen Ereno -Lead Counselor: CHS is fortunate to welcome back Mrs. Ereno for her sixth year at CHS. We're grateful for her continued care and support for our Islander community.

Aaron Brooks and Casey Tanaka - Athletic Directors: Coronado High School is happy to welcome back Mr. Brooks for his third year. This year, he is joined by Mr. Tanaka as Co-Athletic Director. Together, their combined leadership, dedication, and passion for athletics will ensure a strong and successful year for our student-athletes.

Nicole Belong - ASB Advisor/Activities Director: CHS is incredibly fortunate to have Mrs. Belong serve as our ASB Advisor and Activities Director. ASB is looking forward to an exciting school year filled with opportunites to show our Islander Pride and bond as a strong and connected student community.

NEW to CHS/CUSD!!

Rick Ayala - Assistant Principal

Josh Blakely - Mathematics

Michael Clogston: English

Courtney Cronin - Education Specialist

Iman Farahani: English

Melissa Groves: Clinical Counselor (W., Th., F)

Tiffany King: Special Education Program Specialist

Julie Lorenz: Assistant Tech Director and Theatre Manager

Garret Newell: Mathematics

Jordyn Smith: Career Pathways Counselor- (M.-Th.)

Akisha Chaney: Registrar and Counseling Secretary

Rina Parodi: Attendance

Erin Rowan: Front Desk Secretary

Maribel Kastlunger: Assistant to Principal Mellina

Linda Kirk: Assistant to Assistant Principal Lewis (alpha A-K)

Noila Perri: Assistant to Assistant Principal Ayala (alpha L-Z)

Deidre Smith: CoSA Assistant

Get Involved & Support the Arts

You don’t need to be a CoSA parent to make an impact. If you have a love for the arts and a desire to support our students, we would love to have you! Explore ways to get involved by visiting the CoSA Foundation.

Save the Date: CoSA Community Carnival 🎭🎨🎶

Get ready to connect! Please mark your calendars for the CoSA Foundation and Council Community Carnival on September 15th:

• 5:15 PM – 6:00 PM | Theatre: Hear from the Foundation, Council, and staff about the exciting year ahead.

• 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM | The Quad: Join us for activities, games, great conversations, and community fun!

Note: CoSA classes begin on August 10th!

Tuesday, August 4th: CUSD New Family Welcome and Ice Cream Social

CUSD Board Room, 4:00-5:30 p.m. Parents and families are invited to join us in welcoming them to Coronado, brief them on important and helpful information, and provide access to supportive resources.

A SECOND WELCOME EVENT FOR NEW CUSD MILITARY FAMILIES:

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BOWLING SOCIAL

Wednesday, August 6, 4-6 pm

Sea ‘N Air Lanes, NASNI, Bldg. 772

Military families with kids TK-12th grade new to Coronado Unified School District are invited to come socialize, meet CYP support staff, and have fun! Free bowling, shoe rental, and snacks are provided.

Register: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Coronado/BacktoSchoolBowlingSocial

Questions: Contact the Navy School Liaison at nbcslo@us.navy.mil or 619-991-2509

PTO 2026-2027 Meetings 9:00-10:00 a.m

August 27, October 15, November 12, January 21, March 4, April 22

PTO Executive Board 2026-2027

Kendra Schaefer, President (coronadoptopres@gmail.com)

Christina Mathis, Vice President

Andrea Ullman, Secretary

Keli Craig, Treasurer

Mandy Cohn and Kimberly Huang: Hospitality

Throughout the school year, we will host assemblies, pep rallies, testing, and other events. To maximize instructional time, we have altered our bell schedules. You can now find all of the bell schedules at the link below. Please check the calendar in this newsletter regularly throughout the year to stay informed about events and altered bell schedules.

Please be sure to read the Student and Family Handbook at the link below. It contains detailed information about our programs and policies.

Absences: In the event of an absence, it is imperative that it is reported within 24 hours.To make reporting an absence easier, parents/guardians should submit the Attendance Verification Form for Parents 2026-27 (save this link for easy access)

Medications: Parents: if you need to drop off medications and orders to the health office, please do so on the dates and times below.

• Wednesday, August 13 between 9:00-11:45 am and 1:00-3:00 pm.
• Friday, August 15 between 9:00-11:45 am

Back to School Night: Thursday, Aug. 20th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. We will have a welcome presentation in the theater from 5:00-5:25 pm, and period 1 will begin at 5:30pm. For more information: CHS Back to School Night Info

Campus Safety: Your children’s safety is our priority! We're fortunate to have CHS Campus Security, Ms. Marcia Morris who supports our efforts in securing the campus throughout the school day. As we begin the year, staff will be reviewing CHS emergency plans and procedures with students during the first few days of school. 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. We have had a of lot e-bikes running stop signs, going extremely fast, and some close calls with cars and pedestrian accidents. Our top priority is to keep our students and community safe at all times.

Bike Racks: Students must park in the bike racks inside the 7th Street school gate. Parking around the school perimeter interferes with traffic, maintenance, and safety. Reminder: students are encouraged to always lock their bikes and helmets.

CUSD Child Nutrition Services: Child Nutrition Services Announces FREE BREAKFAST AND FREE LUNCH MEALS for all Enrolled Students for the 2026-27 School Year. Read more at the link HERE

Dear Coronado High School Families,

Coronado High is a closed campus for all students during school hours except during lunch.

Board Policy 5112.5 allows for all students in grades 9-12 to leave campus for lunch. However, freshmen MUST remain on campus for the first two weeks of the school year.

To encourage student responsibility, independent judgment, and positive citizenship, the Governing Board provides an open-campus lunch policy for grades 9-12. Under this policy, CHS students hold the privilege of leaving campus during the lunch period. 9th grade students are required to remain on campus for lunch during the first two weeks of the school year. Student leadership organizes activities to build community among the new freshmen class.

• Freshmen who exceed three unexcused tardies may temporarily lose off-campus lunch privileges, with the duration determined by CHS administration. This approach encourages accountability while giving students the opportunity to demonstrate their responsibility.

• Administration reserves the right to revoke off campus lunch privileges for any student who has excessive tardies to period 3

To protect valuable instructional time and minimize distractions, we are implementing a mandatory, campus-wide cell phone policy in all classrooms.

Standard Classroom Procedure

• The Rule: At the start of every class period, all students are required to place their cell phones in their assigned slot in the classroom lockbox.

• The Duration: Lockboxes will be locked immediately when the bell rings. Phones must remain in the lockbox for the duration of the class period and may only be retrieved at the end of the period.

What If a Student is Tardy?

Because classroom phone boxes are locked immediately at the start of the period:

• Tardy students must turn in their cell phones at the front office upon arrival.

• Students can retrieve their phones from the front office at the end of that class period.

Cell phones are not to be carried outside of the classroom during a class period. Students who have their cell phones in the bathrooms, hallways, on the quad, etc. during class time will result in immediate confiscation, a phone referral, and the phone will be sent directly to the office to be picked up at the end of the day.

Airpods and Headphones: All listening devices are required to be in backpacks during class time.

Smart watches and other smart devices are required to be in backpacks during class time.

• Confiscation guidelines follow the same protocols as phones.

Failure to follow the CHS Cell Phone Policy will result in the progressive disciplinary actions detailed in the handbook: Please refer to page 48 of the Student and Family Handbook for the complete policy.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our classrooms focused, respectful, and dedicated to learning!

Dear CHS Families:

Coronado Unified School District is committed to preparing students for success in school and beyond. Part of this preparation includes exposing students to technology and guiding them in its appropriate uses. We are happy to continue providing 1st through 12th grade CUSD students with a Chromebook, case and charger for educational use at school and at home. This 1:1 Student Device Program will continue for the 2026-2027 school year.

As part of this program, all Coronado High School students are required to bring a fully charged device to school daily. Students who need a device will have the opportunity to check-out a Chromebook during scheduled pick-up.

NEW as of 26-27: All CHS students are required to have a school issued Chromebook at the start of the school year.

Students Using Personal Devices: CHS students who have personal devices at home may use their own device as an alternative to a CUSD Chromebook. If your student chooses to use a personal device, however, please note that it will not have specific CUSD features, such as testing lockdown browsers and content filters. If your student chooses to use their own device for daily school work, they will still be issued a CUSD Chromebook for course-specific requirements and/or local testing and state testing in Spring 2027.

Please note, a school issued Chromebook is required for certain CHS classes. If a course syllabus states that a school issued Chromebook is to be used in that class, this policy will be enforced and upheld. Students may not use their personal device in classes that require a school issued Chromebook.

Students Using CUSD Devices: CHS students who check-out a CUSD Chromebook for their daily school work may keep the device for the duration of their enrollment at CHS, including summers. Students will practice responsibility for operating and maintaining their individual CUSD devices throughout their time at CHS. We also encourage families to purchase the OPTIONAL Mobile Device Protection Plan for CUSD Chromebooks for just $30 a year to limit any fines due to accidental damage. The Protection Plan must be purchased annually within two weeks of the beginning of the school year in order to be valid. A new Protection Plan must also be purchased if a student is provided with a replacement device due to damage/loss of their previous device. This plan only covers the device (NOT the case and charger).

For more information about this program, please visit the links below:

· 1:1 Student Device Program FAQs

· Mobile Device Protection Plan FAQs

· Mobile Device Protection Plan Payment Instructions

Islander Company Cadets and Families,

Senior Chief and I hope you all had a great summer, enjoyed various activities, and found time to recharge. It was great to see many of you over the break.

The calendar is already filling up with events and competitions, including the CO/XO Seminar on August 22, Color Guard at Spreckels Park on August 23, and a possible Orienteering event on September 5. Team practices will be starting shortly, so think about which teams you wise to join.

Freshmen, welcome to Islander Company! Senior Chief Hellwig and I are excited to have you join the team. This program will be challenging yet rewarding, and we are committed to your success. Returning cadets, please reach out to our new members and help make them feel welcome and included.

For those not enrolled in NJROTC this fall, you will be referred to as “Reservists.” We encourage your active participation in all activities. An All Hands Call will be held within the first two weeks to discuss expectations and opportunities for all cadets.

Senior Chief and I look forward to a productive year ahead. Last year, Islander Company performed exceptionally well and earned the distinction of Honor Company. With the Class of 2026 moving on to bigger and better endeavors, this year’s seniors, juniors, and sophomores will need to step up, take on additional roles and responsibilities, and continue the strong tradition of our program and our representation in the community.

We are excited for the year ahead and look forward to seeing what Islander Company will accomplish.

Best regards,

Captain (Ret) Holzer

New Student Orientation

Welcome to all new ISLANDERS! We are excited to have you join us on campus this year. We invite all new students in grades 10-12, as well as all Freshmen, to participate in our New Student Orientation on Friday, August 7th, from 11 AM to 12 PM at CHS.

The orientation will begin in the theater at 11 AM, followed by guided campus tours. This is a wonderful opportunity to familiarize yourself with our campus, discover ways to get involved, and locate your classrooms for the first day. Bring your schedule with you.

After a short presentation in the theater given by our ASB, new students will be organized into tour groups by grade and will be accompanied by a tour guide who will provide valuable insights about life at CHS. We look forward to welcoming you on campus.

The ASB Card

The ASB Card offers students an opportunity to enjoy discounts on activities that Islanders are already participating in! Students with an ASB Card gain free admission to home football and basketball games, receive discounts on dances, shows, along with other perks. The purchase of the ASB Card supports all student activities on campus this year. The card is $50 and can be purchased at the student store right now by clicking this link → Purchase ASB Card

More information about the ASB Card can be found here ---> ASB CARD

Do you want to start a club at CHS?

All of our Islander clubs are based on student interest, so there is something for everyone! All clubs, even those that were active last year, must apply to maintain club status each year. Club applications and more are due to Mrs. Belong in room 702 by August 19th. Club Rush will be on Aug. 20 and 21 in the quad at lunch.

More information about clubs at CHS, along with the application, can be found here. → Club Information Letter

Get Connected!

Stay in the loop with Islander Student Activities!

Student Activities Calendar 26-27

ASB Canvas Page

Instagram @coronadoasb

Class of 2030 Instagram: TBD

Check out our athletics at Islander Sports Foundation

Link to register online: Register for Sports Here

Link to a blank Physical: Sports Physical Form

CHS Athletic Directors:

• Aaron Brooks: Aaron.brooks@coronadousd.net
• Casey Tanaka: casey.tanaka@coronadousd.net

Welcome Back, Islanders! Please encourage your students to swing by the CHS Library to check-out our new books and resources. The CHS Librarians, Ms. Hunt and Mr. Charles, will be happy to assist them in finding reading materials and reliable online resources.

Please note that the library will be closed during lunch on the first day of school.

Visit the links below with your students for additional information on the resources available in the library:

· CHS Library Catalog Access

· CHS Library Digital Resources Brochure

· CHS Library Canvas

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

Our programs and opportunities are the result of generous community support. We encourage you to connect with us and other families through joining and volunteering with our Coronado High School PTO, the Islander Sports Foundation, Coronado Schools Foundation, CoSA Foundation, Coronado Safe Harbor, and attending school events and activities. Navy School Liaison Officer: Mindy Hayes mindy.e.hayes.naf@us.navy.mil

619.991.2509

CHS is a dynamic community; if you want to be involved and don’t know how, please reach out and ask. We are here to get you connected.

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:
8 CHS Student Rotarians to be selected via application process at the beginning of 26-27 school year

Class of 2027 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 09/04/26

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

Emerald Keepers Internship application opens Aug 3, 2026. The environmental stewardship group seeks motivated high school interns with a passion for sustainability for the 2026-2027 school year.

Students must be willing to contribute a minimum of 35 volunteer service hours for the year, including:

• · Working in the CHS Emerald Keepers Garden
• · Assisting at Emerald Keepers community events
• · Proposing and implementing a passion project
• · Attending monthly meetings during CHS lunch.

The internship offers excellent work and leadership experience and strengthens student resumes. To learn more and apply, go to emeraldkeepers.org/chs-internship-program and click on the online application button. Applications will be accepted from Aug. 3 to Sunday, Aug. 23.

August 10: First Day of School!

August 14: Welcome Back Pep Rally (students only) (pep rally alternate bell schedule)

August 17: Student Information Assembly (students only) (double assesmbly altered bell schedule)August 18: STAR Testing please read this informational letter ( STAR testing alternate bell schedule)

August 19: Club applications due

August 20: Term 1 Back to School Night 5:00 - 7:00pm

August 20: Club Rush at lunch

August 21: Club Rush at lunch

August 24: First day freshmen permitted to leave campus at lunch

August 27th: PTO Meeting 9-10 am

Senior Class Assembly at 10:15 am
August 31st: Senior Appointments Begin with Counselors

September 3: Lock Down Drill today

September 7: Labor Day -No School

September 11: Quarter 1 Progress Report grading period ends

September 15: CoSA Foundation & CoSA Council Community Carnival 5:15 pm

September 22:Yearbook photo make-up day

September 28 - October 2: Homecoming Spirit Week

October 2 Homecoming Pep Rally, Parade and Football Game (pep rally alternate bell schedule)

October 3: Homecoming Dance

October 12:Fall Holiday - No School

October 14: PSAT for grades 9-11 and senior activity

Website: https://chs.coronadousd.net/
Location: 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, USA
Phone: 619.522.8907
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoronadoIslanders