Roadrunner Monthly News
April 2026
Principal's Corner
Dear Parents,
We are happy to share that our first week of STAAR testing went well! Our campus remained calm, organized, and focused, helping students feel comfortable and confident as they did their best.
Thank you for your continued support in preparing your children each day. Your encouragement, ensuring they get a good night’s rest, and having them arrive on time truly makes a difference.
We are very proud of our students and appreciate your partnership in their success!
On Friday, we also had the honor of celebrating our military families during our Purple Up Breakfast. We are grateful for the sacrifices and service of our military-connected families and were proud to recognize and honor them.
Thank you for being part of our school community!
Warm regards,
Don Belknap, Principal
Western Hills Elementary
915-236-3850
April Calendar
Attendance Information
Let’s Lead the District in Attendance!
We’re excited to share that our school is competing with others across the district for **top attendance! ** Strong attendance means strong learning, and every day your child is here makes a difference.
We can’t do this without you. Your support in getting students to school on time and every day helps us shine and shows the power of our school community.
Thank you for partnering with us and helping us lead the way. Let’s keep it going!
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
During Assistant Principal Appreciation Week, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Coppinger for her dedication, leadership, and unwavering support of our students, staff, and community. Her hard work behind the scenes and her commitment to excellence make a difference every single day. We are truly grateful for all she does!
We also want to celebrate Ms. Venezuela, our incredible librarian, during this special time. From leading daily video announcements with students to going above and beyond in countless ways, she brings creativity, energy, and heart to our campus every day. Her dedication helps keep our school connected and engaged—we are so thankful for all she does!
Roadrunners in Action
Thank you Scorpion Sales for donating our New Ambassador Shirts!
PBIS Chalk the Block Celebration
First Grade Field Trip to the Zoo
A Big Thank You to the Jazz division from the 1st Army Band for coming and playing music for our Military Connected students.
Thank you Mrs. Anchondo, Mrs. Hernandez, and Ms. Lou Lou for setting up our Purple Up breakfast for students!
Online Registration for the 26-27 School Year is Open Now!
🚨 DON’T WAIT—REGISTER TODAY! 🚨
Online registration for the 2026–2027 school year is OPEN, and we need you to do it as soon as possible to ensure staffing for next year.
Avoid the last-minute rush, long lines, and delays. Get your student fully registered today by:
✔️ Completing online registration
✔️ Uploading ALL required documents
✔️ Submitting a current utility bill
🎉 BONUS: Students who are FULLY registered (with all documents submitted) will receive an exclusive Western Hills car decal!
Let’s start the school year strong—secure your child’s spot and skip the stress.
💻 Register today. Don’t delay. We’re ready for YOU!
Upcomng Appreciation Days!
- Administrative Professionals Day (office) April 22
- Bus Driver Appreciation April 28
- Principal Appreciation May 1
- Lunch Hero Appreciation May 1
- Nurse Appreciation May 6
- Teacher Appreciation May 4 - May 8
Speech Pathologist Appreciation Day May 18
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
Judith Ramirez, LPAC- jramire2@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.

