The Thunderbird Times

Welcome to another exciting year at Coronado High School! It is an honor to partner with our students, families, staff, and community as we begin a new journey together.

This year's theme, Soaring Higher, reminds us that excellence is not a destination... it is a commitment to continually grow, improve, and support one another. Whether in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, or in service to others, every T-Bird has the opportunity to reach new heights.

At Coronado, our mission remains clear: to provide exceptional learning experiences that prepare every student for success in college, career, and life. Together, we will continue to build a culture where every student is challenged, supported, and inspired to achieve their very best.

Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. I encourage you to stay connected through our monthly newsletter as we celebrate student achievements, share important updates, and highlight the incredible things happening across our campus.

Here's to a fantastic school year as we Soar Higher together!

Melissa Fournier (Last Names- A-Ce)

Dawn Cornell (Last Names- Ch-Gan)

Sylvia Luna (Last Names- Gar-Le)

Jennifer Blacksher (Last Names- Li-N)

Melissa Arriola (Last Names- O-R)

Blanca Loubriel (P-TECH Students ONLY last names: A-L)

Sharon Uribe (P-TECH Students ONLY last names: M-Z)

College Career Military Readiness Advisors: Paul Gutierrez- pgutier3@episd.org /Antonio Motta- amotto@episd.org

Graduation Coach: Tessie Hernandez- tchernan@episd.org

Student Activities Manager: Natalie Mendoza- nrmendoz@episd.org

Athletic Coordinator: Coach Mike Pry- mjpry@episd.org

Librarian: Kim Edwinson- kabludwo@episd.org

Family & Military Liaison: Nicole Croissant- necroiss@episd.org

Every Day. Every Class. Every Minute Counts.

Regular attendance is essential to student success and earning course credit. Please review these important attendance procedures and requirements for the 2026–2027 school year.

📝 Reporting an Absence

Parents/Guardians must submit attendance documentation using ONE of the following methods:

1. 📧 Email: coronado_notes@episd.org
2. 📱 Scan the Attendance QR Code to upload documentation
3. 🏫 Bring a hard copy to the Attendance Office – A Building

IMPORTANT: If your student is absent, documentation must be submitted within 5 days of the last absence.

⚠️ LOC — Loss of Credit

Under Texas attendance requirements, students must attend at least 90% of the days a class is offered in order to receive course credit or a final grade.

Students who fall below the required attendance percentage may be required to make up lost instructional time according to district procedures.

⏰ Tardies Add Up!

Students are considered tardy if they are not inside the classroom when the tardy bell rings.

• 1st Tardy: Warning
• 2nd Tardy: Parent/Guardian phone call
• 5 Tardies: Lunch detention
• 10 Tardies: 1 day of ISS
• 15 Tardies: Recommendation for a minimum of 10 days of DAEP

Tardies reset every 9 weeks, but continued tardiness may result in additional disciplinary action.

🎓 Final Exam Exemptions

Attendance can also impact a student's eligibility for final exam exemptions.

To qualify, students must meet all district requirements, including:

• 3 absences or fewer in the class
• Final class average of 90 or better
• Be present on the scheduled final exam day

Please plan appointments, travel, college visits, and other activities around the final exam schedule whenever possible.

📌 Please Remember📌

An absence does not automatically disappear simply because documentation is submitted. Different types of absences have different documentation requirements and may affect Loss of Credit (LOC) differently.

We love having our families involved at Coronado High School! Before completing a VIPS volunteer application, please take a moment to determine whether you will be participating as a visitor or a volunteer.

👋 You are a VISITOR

You DO NOT need to complete a VIPS application if you are simply attending or participating in activities such as:

• 🏈 Attending a football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, or other athletic event
• 🎭 Watching a band, orchestra, choir, theater, dance, or other student performance
• 🎓 Attending parent meetings, workshops, orientations, or informational sessions
• 🍎 Attending a school event as a parent/guardian with your own student
• 🤝 Participating in parent committees such as CIT or LPAC
• 📚 Attending a parent-teacher conference or scheduled meeting with school staff

🙋 You are a VOLUNTEER

You DO need to be VIPS approved if you are helping the school or working in an area where you may interact with students, such as:

• 🎉 Helping staff with campus events or activities
• 🏟️ Working or assisting at athletic events, tournaments, or school functions
• 🚌 Chaperoning field trips or student activities
• 💙 Helping with PTSA or Booster Club activities where you will be working with or around students
• 🦅 Assisting with Student Ambassador activities or events
• 👕 Helping organize or support the Champions House Donation Center
• 📋 Helping staff with check-in, setup, cleanup, distribution, or other event duties
• 👥 Volunteering in any setting where you may be working directly with students other than your own

📝 Ready to Volunteer?

If you would like to volunteer at Coronado, we would LOVE to have you! 💙

All volunteers must complete the EPISD VIPS application and approval process before volunteering on campus.

👉 Complete the Volunteer Application Here: https://tinyurl.com/2wfs6nhz

Not sure whether you need to apply? Please reach out to Ms. Nicole Croissant at necroiss@episd.org, and I’ll be happy to help!

Thank you for helping us keep our students safe while continuing to build a strong and involved T-Bird community! 🦅💙💛

Under Texas House Bill 1481, El Paso ISD students are prohibited from using cell phones, smartwatches, personal tablets/laptops, AI glasses, and other non-instructional communication devices during the school day, from the first bell to the last bell.

Students may bring devices to campus, but they must remain turned off and stored in a backpack or designated classroom area throughout the school day.

Exceptions may be made for:

• A documented medical need approved by a campus administrator
• Use required by an IEP, 504 Plan, or similar student plan
• A school emergency, once use is approved by the principal

Students who do not follow these guidelines may have their device confiscated and may receive additional disciplinary consequences according to the district’s Student Code of Conduct.

This policy helps create a safer, more focused learning environment where students can unplug, engage, and thrive.

🍎 Lunch & Off-Campus Safety

For the 2026–2027 school year, all grade levels may leave campus for lunch. Students are responsible for returning to campus on time, behaving appropriately, and following all safety and traffic laws.

Lunch is also served daily in the school cafeteria for students who choose to remain on campus.

⚠️ Students may lose off-campus lunch privileges due to excessive tardies and/or absences.

🚻 Securly Bathroom Passes

Coronado uses Securly, an electronic bathroom pass system. Students must create a pass through Securly and receive teacher approval before leaving class.

The system tracks the number and length of bathroom passes used. Abuse of bathroom privileges may result in the system limiting a student's passes.

💻 Student Laptops

Students are expected to bring their school-issued laptop fully charged every day, along with their device charger.

🪪 Student IDs

Per district policy, students must wear their school-issued ID visibly around their neck at all times while on campus or attending a school-sponsored event.

IDs, including the student's photo, may not be altered or defaced.

Lost or damaged ID? A replacement is $5 and can be purchased through the Counseling Center.

Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences: September 9th. Schedule your appointment online.

Winter Break: December 23rd – January 6th. Classes resume January 7th.

Semester Exams: January 14th–17th. Study resources available in the library.

Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: February 3rd. Schedule your appointment online.

Follow our Coronado social media pages to stay up to date on campus news, events, activities, family engagement opportunities, and more!

📸 Instagram

• CHS Family Engagement: @chs.familyengagement
• T-Bird PTSA: @tbirdptsa
• Coronado T-Birds: @coronadotbirds

💙 Follow along and stay connected with our T-Bird community! 🦅💛

Want to learn more about the clubs and organizations available at Coronado? More information is coming soon! 💙💛

We are currently gathering updated club meeting days/times and the best point of contact for each organization. Once everything is confirmed, this section will be updated so families and students know exactly who to reach out to and how to get involved.

Stay tuned!

Two incredible cities. One unforgettable adventure! 🌍

Coronado students and families have an exciting opportunity to travel to London & Paris for 9 days during Spring 2027 with EF Educational Tours!

Imagine seeing Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, crossing the Channel to explore the City of Light, experiencing new cultures, trying new foods, and visiting world-famous landmarks — all while learning beyond the classroom. 🗼✨

📅 Spring 2027 | 9 Days
🎒 Open to students and families
⏰ Enrollment Deadline: November 1, 2026

This is a wonderful opportunity for students to experience international travel, create lifelong memories, and see history, culture, art, and architecture come to life!

👉 Learn more about the itinerary, pricing, payment options, and enroll:
www.eftours.com/2996090MX

Questions? Contact the Trip Leader:
Mr. Humberto Vergara-Oronoz
Commercial Photography Teacher, Coronado High School
📧 hjvergara83@gmail.com

London & Paris are calling! ✈️🇬🇧🇫🇷

The Coronado High School Student Ambassador Program is a student leadership organization dedicated to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive campus for every T-Bird.

Our ambassadors represent Coronado with pride by serving others, building school spirit, and helping students and families feel connected from their very first day on campus.

What Do Student Ambassadors Do?

Our Student Ambassadors have opportunities to:

⭐ Welcome new students and families to Coronado
⭐ Assist military-connected students as they transition to a new school
⭐ Volunteer at campus events activities
⭐ Support community service projects throughout the school year
⭐ Serve as positive role models on campus
⭐ Help strengthen the connection between students, families, and our school community

Whether they're greeting visitors, helping at Open House, assisting with family events, or representing Coronado in the community, our ambassadors strive to make every person feel like they belong.

📣 Interested in Joining?

Applications for the 2026–2027 Student Ambassador Program are currently open!

We're looking for students who are:

💙 Friendly and welcoming
💛 Responsible and dependable
🦅 Positive role models
🤝 Willing to serve their school and community
🌟 Ready to grow as leaders

If this sounds like your student, we encourage them to apply!

📍 Applications are available in the Parent Center (Building E, Room E-6).

DEADLINE IS Aug 28th @ 4:00PM

At Coronado High School, we believe every student deserves to feel confident, comfortable, and ready to learn.

Our Champions House Donation Center provides clothing, shoes, and other essentials for students who may need a little extra support. Whether it's an unexpected accident during the school day, a dress code change, financial hardship, or simply needing a few basic necessities, our goal is to make sure every student has access to what they need—without judgment.

Everything is provided in a welcoming, respectful, and confidential environment because every Champion deserves to be treated with dignity.

🛍️ We Welcome Donations!

Community support helps us continue serving our students throughout the year. We gladly accept new or gently used items such as:

• School-appropriate clothing (all sizes)
• Hoodies & jackets
• Shoes
• Belts
• New socks & underwear
• Backpacks
• Reusable water bottles
• Hygiene Essentials Always Needed- These items are especially appreciated and help us respond to students' everyday needs:

• Deodorant
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Body wash or soap
• Toothbrushes & toothpaste
• Hair Brushes/combs
• Feminine hygiene products
• Razors & shaving cream
• Lotion
• Lip balm

🤝 Want to Volunteer?

We're always looking for volunteers to help sort donations, organize shelves, restock supplies, and keep the Donation Center welcoming and easy to navigate for students and families.

Whether you can donate an item, volunteer your time, or both—your kindness makes a meaningful difference in the life of a T-Bird.

Questions or interested in helping? Contact the Ms.Nicole Croissant in our Parent Center for more information.

El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank-Phone: (915) 298-0353- https://www.elpasoansfightinghunger.org/

• Emergency food assistance
• SNAP application assistance
• Senior food programs
• Food pantry locator

Kelly Center for Hunger Relief- Phone:(915) 261-7499 - https://kellyfresh.org/

• Weekly groceries
• Baby items
• Hygiene supplies
• Community meals

Opportunity Center for the Homeless Food Pantry- Phone:(915) 577-0069 - https://homelessopportunitycenter.org/

• Emergency food
• Housing assistance referrals

El Paso Community Clinic - Henderson- Phone: (915) 212-0756 - https://www.elpasotexas.gov/public-health/services/immunizations/

• Primary care
• Children's healthcare
• Immunizations
• Chronic disease management

Centro San Vicente- Phone: (915) 859-7545 - https://www.sanvicente.org/

• Medical care
• Dental services
• Women's health
• Pediatrics
• Behavioral health
• Sliding-scale fees

• Parent education
• Family support
• Community referrals

El Paso Center for Children- Phone: 915.565.8361 - https://epccinc.org/system-navigation-immigration/

• Parenting classes
• Counseling
• Child development
• Early childhood services
• Refugee and immigrant family support

• Immigration legal assistance

• DACA
• Family petitions
• U & T visas
• Asylum assistance
• Know Your Rights workshops

• Job placement
• Resume assistance
• Career coaching
• Training opportunities

Military Affiliated Satellite Center -725 Custer Rd, Fort Bliss, TX 79906

Northeast Center- 8941 Dyer St, El Paso, TX 79904

Project BRAVO- Phone: (915) 562-4100 ext 342 - https://www.projectbravo.org/

• Employment support
• Workforce development

Army Community Service (ACS) - Fort Bliss- The hub for military family support. ACS offers:

• Newcomer Orientation
• Relocation assistance
• Employment assistance for spouses
• Financial counseling
• Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
• Family Advocacy Program
• New Parent Support
• Deployment & reintegration resources
• Volunteer opportunities

Fort Bliss Soldier Support Center- 505 Pershing Rd, El Paso, TX 79906

Phone: (915) 568-2381

Visit our two locations on Ft. Bliss:

• West Ft. Bliss - 2408 Chaffee Rd. Fort Bliss, TX 79918

• East Ft. Bliss - 20727 Constitution Ave. Fort Bliss, TX 79906

El Paso Veterans One Stop Center- Excellent "one-stop shop" offering:

• Benefits assistance
• Employment services
• Housing resources
• Mental health referrals
• Education guidance
• Family support

El Paso Vet Center- Offers:

• PTSD counseling
• Marriage counseling
• Bereavement support
• Readjustment counseling
• Family counseling

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Endeavors- Provides confidential counseling for:

• Active Duty
• Veterans
• National Guard
• Reserve
• Military spouses
• Children

No VA benefits are required to receive care.

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Endeavors,12135 Pebble Hills Blvd suite 110, El Paso, TX 79936

Phone: (915) 320-1390

Armed Services YMCA- Provides:

• Emergency family assistance
• Childcare
• Food assistance
• Parent programs
• Family events
• Military spouse support

• Phone: (915) 263-7164

Child Development Center, 7061 Comington Street, El Paso, Texas 79930

• Phone: (915) 263-7164, ext 100

Junior Enlisted Family Center - Food Market & Thrift Store, 2004 Sheridan Rd, Fort Bliss, Texas 79906

• Phone: (915) 263-7164, ext 107