CHS Islander News
September 7-11, 2026
"All For One . One For All"
Go, ISLANDERS!
THIS WEEK
Homecoming Ticket Sales Begin 🎉(see details below)
September 7: HOLIDAY- Labor Day
September 8:Senior Appointments Continue with Counselors
NHS Tutoring - lunch in room 511
September 9:M.,T.,Th.,F. bell schedule today student day ends at 3:30 pm
9th grade parents tMHFA Parent Information 5:30 p.m. in the MPR (see below)
September 10: NHS Tutoring - 3:35 pm in room 511
September 11: Patriot's Day
Instructional Time and Minutes: In an effort to recoup instructional time and minutes, we are going to be on a M, T, Th, F bell schedule on the following Wednesdays:
- September 9th
- September 16th.
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. 18th. Progress report grades are NOT recorded on student transcripts. Be sure to use Canvas to check your students' grades throughout the school year.
Attention Senior Class Parents: Join class advisor Mr. Aldworth and the senior class officers for an informational parent meeting on Friday, Sept. 11, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 364 Glorietta Blvd. This meeting will provide an overview of upcoming senior year activities and highlight ways parents can get involved and support the class throughout the year.
Attention 9th Grade Parents: The Teen Mental Health First Aid Certification Parent Information Meeting will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 9th at 5:30 PM in the MPR - Please check your email for a detailed letter.
Tutoring: NHS offers FREE tutoring in all subjects. Our NHS students are ready to help out students who may need a little extra support or even a study partner. Stop by room 511 Tuesdays at lunch or Thursdays from 3:35-4:35 pm.
COSA Carnival is Open to Students, Staff & Families!
Games, Tacos and more!
Carnival starts in the Quad at 5:45-6:45 p.m. on Tuesday September 15th
Soak-a-Senior! Soak-a-Teacher!
See MTD sing a song from their upcoming performance of Grease.
FREE to attend!
Yearbook: The yearbook staff is looking for your first day/week of school photos. Please upload your photos by clicking on the tinyurl.com/WeBack26
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The AP Testing Registration and Payment Website is now OPEN.
- The Fall payment deadline is October 2nd.
Please visit our school website for full registration and payment information by clicking the following link: AP Testing Website Link
Please reach out to Mrs. Lewis, wendy.lewis@coronadousd.net if you have any questions.
- If your student has not signed the digital AP contract for the 2026-27 school year, please click the link below to complete the form. AP Contract Acknowledgment Form
Attendance for 26-27: 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!
- 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)
- 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
- Tardies: If a student is tardy, they must check in at the front office and receive a pass to class. In accordance with our cell phone policy, at that time they will turn in their cell phone and pick it up at the end of that class period. This reduces interrupting instructional time for in class cell phone collection.
Campus Safety: Guests are required to always check in at the front office. ALL visitors must present their identification when visiting campus.
PSAT: CHS will be administering the PSAT on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 for all 9th , 10th and 11th graders. Detailed information concerning testing day will be sent to families at the beginning of September. Please reach out to Mrs. Lewis if you have any questions.
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
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.
**Please be sure to read the Student and Family Handbook at the link below. It contains detailed information about our programs and policies.
Counselor Corner
SEPTEMBER IS SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
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.
CHS will be having a variety of activities and broadcasts throughout the month to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
Additional Suicide Prevention Resources:
CHS Counselors are available to help support students and families.
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New - Local Opportunity to Hear from Top Universities
Join representatives from Brown, Columbia, UChicago and Vanderbilt for a joint session. Hear a variety of perspectives on academic programs, philosophies, and traditions that make our colleges a home for our students.
Date: October 7th 2026
Time: 7:00pm PDT
Location: The Bishop's School - 7607 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Updated - 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 Visit List Fall 2026 for a comprehensive list or see below for the upcoming visits.
9/8/2026 The University of Arizona
9/9/2026 Elon University
9/10/2026 Whittier College
9/11/2026 Hillsdale College
9/15/2026 University of Delaware
9/16/2026 Gonzaga University
9/17/2026 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
9/18/2026 University of Utah
Seniors! Important Upcoming Events
- CHS Senior Counseling Timeline - Senior year can be extremely busy! Help your senior stay on track with everything, especially with college application deadlines. All seniors were given a printed timeline at the Senior Assembly on August 27th. Copies are available in the front office.
- Senior Counseling Assembly -Thursday August 27th was our senior assembly that went over extremely important information for senior year, including college applications. Access the slide deck HERE.
Counseling Appointments - Beginning August 31st, seniors will have their individual counseling meeting with their school counselor to review credits and post-secondary plans. Seniors will have a sign-up for a meeting and receive a call slip for their appointment. Please attend these very important meetings!
College Application Workshops - Start September 14th (see details below)
College Night - September 30th - Application Details from College Reps (see details below)
Fall CHS College Counseling Workshops
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 14th - Common Application & Xello/Scholarships - Tips for competitive programs
September 21st - UC Applications
September 28th - College Essays and supplementals
October 5th - Cal State Applications
October 19th - Military (USNA Rep or Blue and Gold Rep)
October 26th, November 2nd, 17th-21st, December 1st - College Application Drop-in Workshops
College Night for ALL Students and Parents - Wednesday September 30, 2026 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 with UCI, Cal State system with SDSU and Cal State San Marcos, Private Colleges with University of San Diego, and Finding Your Right College Fit. This event is for all grades levels and both students and parents. Don’t miss this informative event!
CAREER CORNER
UPDATED! INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE!
See the CHS Internship Opportunities Document for internship details and how to apply.Please contact kristen.ereno@coronadousd.net with any questions.Current Internships:
F.O.C.U.S. (Friends of Children United Society) internship application due September 1st.
Journalism paid internship with The Coronado Times is now available!
Don't miss the 2026 Southern California Firefighter Career Expo! Meet recruiters, try the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), and get your questions answered. Free & family-friendly!
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 11 AM – 2 PM
FCTC San Diego Co | 6144 Innovation Way, Carlsbad, CA 92009
Register today: CalJAC.org
Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA)
Experience the Magic of CoSA!
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!
HOMECOMING 2026
This year’s theme is “Greek Mythology.”
Important Requirement:26-27 Dance Contract
All students wishing to attend must have a hard copy of the 2026-2027 Dance Contract on file with our ASB Clerk, Mrs. Contreras. Be sure to bring your signed dance contract when purchasing your tickets at the student store.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, October 3rd
Time: 7 pm -10 pm
Location: Parq Night Club
615 Broadway San Diego, CA 92101
Ticket Sales:
- Tickets will be available for purchase starting September 8th and will be sold until September 25th. Tickets are not sold at the door.
Ticket Prices:
- Week 1 (9/2):
- $65 for ASB Card Holders
- $75 for non ASB Card Holders
- Week 2 (9/8):
- $70 for ASB Card Holders
- $80 for non ASB Card Holders
- Week 3 (9/15):
- $80 for ASB Card Holders
- $90 for non ASB Card Holders.
Purchase Information:
- Tickets can be purchased at the student store during lunch each day. Students must have their student ID card and signed dance contract with them to purchase their ticket. They can additionally be purchased for 30 minutes after the 4th period on September 24th and 25th only.
- Please note: Tickets will not be sold at the door and will not be available after September 25th
Don’t MYTH out on this exciting event! We look forward to seeing you there!
HOCO COURT
Homecoming Court nominations are open this week and will close on Friday, September 11.
- Students may nominate up to 6 senior King candidates and 6 senior Queen candidates who they feel represent the very best of our Islander school community and the Class of 2027.
- When making your nominations, think about the seniors who are kind, trustworthy, positive role models, and lead by example. These should be students who consistently make our school a better place and represent the values of our Islander community.
CHS ASB
Get involved and join a club. The complete list can be found here: CHS CLUBS 26-27
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 → CHS Student Store-ASB Card
More information about the ASB Card can be found here ---> ASB CARD
Get Connected!
Stay in the loop with Islander Student Activities!
Student Activities Calendar 26-27
ASB Canvas Page OR
Instagram @coronadoasb
Class of 2027 Instagram: @CHS.Islanders27
Class of 2028 Instagram: @CHS.Islanders28
Class of 2029 Instagram: @CHS.Islanders29
Class of 2030 Instagram: @CHS.Islanders2030
DELAC Meeting
DELAC Meeting
Parents and guardians are invited to attend our District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) meeting on September 24. We will discuss the ELPAC assessment, available supports for English learners, the reclassification process, and ways families can support learning at home.
Date: September 24, 11am
Meeting platform: Microsoft Teams
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/280882351088947?p=add7eQ4RthglxAtDSU
Meeting ID: 280 882 351 088 947
Passcode: 8rL2Lg3W
We encourage all families of English learners to attend and share their questions, ideas, and feedback
- Learn more about the earning the Seal of Biliteracy, the Global Seal of Biliteracy and so much more here: WORLD LANGUAGES UPDATE
Senior Class of 2027
Seniors - Senior Portrait sessions are NOW OPEN. All yearbook senior portraits must be taken by the selected photographer and are due no later than Dec. 26, 2026 or they cannot be included in the yearbook. Sessions are now available at the Cherished Memories studio. Please call 951.304.4133 to book your session. There will be an on campus “quick shot” day, Dec. 2, 2026. Sign-ups for on campus photos will not be available until early Nov.
CHS Athletics
Fall Sports have started! Come out and support your Islander teams.CHS Sports Schedule Link
- We continue to be a cashless entry, and here is a link to purchase the digital tickets: CHS GoFan Digital Ticket Link. You can also scan a QR code at the gate.
We are starting to stream home games on Hudl. It is temporarily free to watch all home regular-season games on the Hudl Fan App or https://fan.hudl.com/
NIEDERMEYER FIELD ACCESS POLICY
To ensure the safety of our student-athletes and maintain smooth game day operations, access to the track and field before, during, and after games is strictly restricted to authorized individuals. Only cleared personnel, including rostered student-athletes, CHS coaches, CHS staff/faculty, visiting teams in uniform, Visiting Coaches, game officials, approved event support, credentialed media, and security and emergency personnel, are permitted beyond the gates and on the track and/or field.
Students, parents, spectators, and community members are required to remain in designated stands and outside of the track and field areas at all times. Please wait until players have fully exited the field gates before meeting them. We greatly appreciate your cooperation in keeping our facilities safe, organized, and enjoyable for everyone while supporting our athletics program.
CHS Athletic Directors:
- Aaron Brooks: Aaron.brooks@coronadousd.net
- Casey Tanaka: casey.tanaka@coronadousd.net
NJROTC
We are hoping to get cadet parents more engaged and involved with the program this year. Elizabeth has some great ideas and will be heading up the efforts. If you are interested in supporting and did not have a chance to provide her with your contact information please reach out to her, alicastellanos@hotmail.com.
The first two big events are right around the corner. Islander Company will be hosting 120 cadets from 6 schools for Basic Leadership Training on September 19. Please come support and observe the graduation ceremony at 1700 on the football field.
Our second big event will be Oct 10th at Silver Strand Park (bay side). We will host 12 schools competing in several water based events from 0800 - 1400. Come support.
YEARBOOK
Pre-order your Yearbook NOW
Yearbook pre-order sales are NOW OPEN at Yearbookforever.com. Books are the LOWEST PRICE of the year - $80 - until Oct. 1, so get yours secured today.
The yearbook is looking for your first day/week of school photos. Please upload your photos by scanning the QR code on the flyer.
CHS Library
Author Event
In partnership with Library Shop SD, Newbery-award winning graphic novelist Pedro Martín will be visiting CHS on behalf of his latest graphic memoir, Mexikid Dreams during 4th period on Friday, September 18th (2:05-2:50pm) In this fun, creative and inspiring follow-up to Mexikid, hilarious family hijinks, immigration patrols, and musical daydreams shape a year of growth and change for a Mexican-American boy and his family. He will give a short presentation, have q&a, and sign books. Students and staff can pre-order his latest, Mexikid Dreams, using the QR code on the attached flyer or at this link provided: https://bit.ly/martin-coronado. There will also be book giveaways of both of his graphic memoirs during the event. All staff and students are encouraged to attend!
Visit the links below with your students for additional information on the resources available in the library:
· 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
JOIN CHS PTO
PTO 2026-2027 Meetings 9:00-10:00 a.m
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
Coronado Schools Foundation
LAST CALL: GALA AFTER DARK
Final tickets are available for The Garden After Dark, the official Golden Gala After Party. Be part of the celebration while supporting CSF and Coronado students. Get your tickets before they’re gone!
Community Partners
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.
Student Opportunites
MOCK TRIAL TEAM
The Islander Trial Team is looking for Attorney Coaches to help the students prepare for the San Diego County Mock Trial Competition this January and February. Reach out to michelle.evenson@coronadousd.net if you are interested.
Coronado Public Library
Calendar
Calendar
September 8-25 Homecoming Ticket Sales Wk 1 -$65, $75: Wk 2 $70, $80: Wk 3 $80, $90 Approved
September 15: CoSA Foundation & CoSA Council Community Carnival 5:15 pm
September 16:M.,T.,Th.,F. bell schedule today student day ends at 3:30 pm
September 22:Yearbook photo make-up day
September 28: CoSA Instrumental Music Recital 6PM
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 8 and 9:Final Exams for Quarter 1
October 12: Fall Holiday - No School
October 14: PSAT for grades 9-11 and senior activity
October 15 PTO Meeting 9am
October 15 Earthquake/Fire Drill
October 21 CIEE Parent Information Night 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Room 413 (Maylen Sullivan)
November 11 HOLIDAY - Veterns Day
November 12 PTO Meeting 9am
November 23-27 Thanksgiving Break
CHS Leadership
Karin Mellina: Principal and CoSA Director
Wendy Lewis: Assistant Principal (alpha A–K)
Rick Ayala: Assistant Principal (alpha L–Z)
Kristen Ereno: Lead Counselor
Tiffany King: Special Education Program Specialist
Aaron Brooks & Casey Tanaka: Athletic Directors
Nicole Belong: ASB Advisor and Activities Director
CHS Front Office
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)
Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA)
Karrie Jackson: CoSA Coordinator
Deidre Smith: CoSA Admin Assistant
INFORMATION ON REPEAT
BIKES and SAFETY:
- 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.
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CELL PHONE POLICY:
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.
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CUSD Chromebooks and Device Requirements
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
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