Coronado Explorer

You can contact me at:

apalatucci@susd.org

480-484-6810

The smell of fresh pine and sugar cookies fills the air. Sipping hot chocolate by the fire. December is finally here! As semester one comes to a close in just a few short days, please encourage your students to finish the semester strong.

The final exam schedule can be found in this newsletter. Families, please support your student to be here by 7:30 am to ensure they are on time for class each day.

Here are some tips to help our students prepare for their final exams:

• Get off to a great start by being prepared:

• Study! Use the resources your teacher provides and collaborate with your peers.

• Go to bed early the night before a test, and every night. Leave the phone out of reach from your bed to avoid distractions throughout the night.

• Eat Breakfast. Coronado offers free breakfast in the cafeteria everyday for all our students.

• Have everything you need for the test when you get to your class (I pack my items the night before to make sure I have everything I need).

• Don’t get stuck on difficult questions:

• If you are unsure of the correct answer, leave a mark and come back to that question. After you have gone through all the questions, go back to the ones you marked and try them again. Sometimes other questions on the test can jog your memory.

• Check your answers:

• Use your time wisely. When you finish, go back and check your answers, even the ones you know are correct.

• Believe in yourself and your abilities!

• Think positively. If a negative thought comes into your head, be mindful of that and try to swap it to a positive one. For example, turn “I’ll never pass this test” to “I studied hard, I will do well!”

• Walk into the classroom with confidence and your head high. Believe in yourself. If you act confident, you will feel more confident.

• Before you start the test, take a few deep breaths in and out.

• Be proud of all you have accomplished this semester! You have worked hard and we know you will do well on all your final exams!

We hope that you have a safe and relaxing winter break. Rest and recharge so you are ready to take on the second semester. We will see you bright and early at 7:30 am on January 3!

Please enjoy the events from this month highlighted in this edition of the Explorer.

Amy Palatucci

Proud Principal

During the past school year, all students received free lunch. However, for the 2022-2023 school year, families must fill out an application for free or reduced lunch. The program is confidential and you could qualify for reduced fees as well. The easy online application can be found here.

Winter break is almost here and we wanted to share a few things. Unfortunately, Covid is still around, so if your student is showing signs and symptoms of illness, please keep them home when sick. If you decide to test for Covid, and the results are positive, please take a picture of the positive result or save a copy of the laboratory results to provide to the nurse. Students who are positive for Covid must remain out of school for 5 full days following the day of their symptom onset; they may return on day 6 if they have been fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and they are showing symptom improvement. If they continue to be symptomatic, a parent/guardian must call in their absence if the student is not able to return on the 6th day.

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Another reminder, the school nurse’s office does not supply any medication unless it has been brought to school by a parent/guardian. If it is an over the counter medication, it must be new, and in an unopened container. If it is a prescription medication, it must be in the original prescription bottle.

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If a student is ill while at school and it is determined that they need to go home, please make sure your contact phone numbers are up to date in synergy for parents/guardians and anyone else who you permit to pick your student up from school.

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If your student is in need of any childhood immunizations, winter break is a perfect time to get caught up! The Maricopa County Department of Public Health has 3 clinic locations. Please call 602-506-6767 to schedule an appointment or visit their website, https://www.maricopa.gov/1809/Locations?page-1805-button

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Last night was the award ceremony for the Scottsdale Mayor's Constitution Contest. Dr. Markette's seniors SWEPT the podcast category!

First place = Alina Williams, Savina Williams, Nolan Eifler

Second place = Kara Armstrong, Kaelyn Smith

Third Place = Sierra Tunison, Mariela Tilapa Delgado

Sierra Tunison's Voice of Democracy essay won 1st place at the local level (Scottsdale Post #3513). This is a national essay worth $30,000. Her essay has been sent to District for judging at that level. The next level is State. State winners travel to Washington, DC for a chance at the big money.

GEAR UP will be taking students to tour the following campuses:

Northern Arizona University - Flagstaff, January 26

East Valley Institute of Technology - Mesa, January 28

Arizona State University - Tempe, February 1

Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, February 21

Scottsdale Community College - March 24

If you would like more information on how your student or you can participate in the field trips, please reach out to the GEAR UP team, Ms. Kristal or Mr. TG at jacedo@susd.org or kbecerra@susd.org

You can contact me at:

msplitek@susd.org

480-484-6830

Final Exams: All Coronado students will take final exams on December 14, 15, & 16. The schedule for all students, is outlined below.

Wednesday, December 14 – Early Release for Final Exams

Period 0: 6:45 am – 7:40 am Period 1: 7:45 am - 9:25 am Period 2: 9:40 am - 11:20 am

Thursday, December 15 - Early Release for Final Exams

Period 3: 7:45 am - 9:25 am Period 4: 9:40 am - 11:20 am

Friday, December 16 - Early Release for Final Exams

Period 6: 7:45 am - 9:25 am Period 7: 9:40 am - 11:20 am

Semester 1 Grades: Grades for first semester will be finalized by the end of the day on December 16. Please make sure you are staying on top of your student’s current grades by checking ParentVUE or StudentVUE. Students and families should reach out to teachers if they need extra help or support. All teachers offer office hours each week to help students be successful.

Course Registration for the 2023-2024 School Year: The Coronado Guidance team has started registering current Freshmen and Sophomores for the 2023-2024 school year. Our current freshmen will complete this process after the winter recess from school.

Have you moved or changed your phone number? Please call us at 480-484-6800 to update your information in the system.

Students are assigned to a guidance counselor based on their last name.

Ms. Anna Huerta: Last names A – E, K, & Q

Email: ahuerta@susd.org

Ms. Arielle Shinder: Last names F – M, & X – Z

Email: ashinder@susd.org

Mr. James Brady: Last names N – W

Email: jbrady@susd.org

Ms. Nicole Tarter: New Coronado Social Worker

Email: ntarter@susd.org

Sophomore thespian, Ben Nava, won a $1000 scholarship to a week-long Broadway Summer Intensive workshop in New York City this summer. He will get to work with actual Broadway actors to help him improve on his musical theatre skills. We are very proud of him and excited for this wonderful opportunity!

You can contact me at:

rvilla@susd.org

480-484-6804

• Fall sports All-District athletes were recognized at the District Sports Banquet on December 5. Cyalista Cotton represents the Lady Dons volleyball team along with Gabriel Gregg and Edwin Oliva Banos representing the Dons football team. Congratulations to all Fall athletes and Edwin Oliva Banos for receiving the Charros Athletic Scholarship for sportsmanship, academics and service.

• Winter Sports are off to a strong start. The girls varsity basketball team is off to a 2-0 start defeating Camelback and Glendale high schools; both JV and Varsity boys soccer are 1-0 without allowing a goal scored against; boys basketball had a strong pre-season and look to make a run to be region champions; Girls soccer has a young squad with lots of promise; and Wrestling is starting strong led by 175lb John Guevara at 6-0.

• Grade checks will take place following the Winter Break. Students who are ineligible will not be able to compete the week of January 9 and may resume play on January 17 if eligibility requirements are met.

• All Dons athletic events may be attended by anyone in our community. Tickets may be purchased in advance using GoFan.co or at the gate for those who prefer to pay cash. Come out and support Coronado athletics!

• All students may purchase an Activity Pass in the school bookstore for $30 which will provide access to all athletic games for the entire 2022-23 school year. Family activity cards may also be purchased at a discounted rate – see Ms. Brumfield in the bookstore for more information.

• SUSD has implemented a Clear Bag policy for all athletic events. Only items in a clear bag may be brought into any SUSD sports venue and are subject to search. No backpacks or bags will be permitted.

• Coronado believes in prioritizing academics and students mental well-being about all else including participation on sports teams. Please support all Dons athletes in high achievement in the classroom and contact our Athletic Director, Mr. Villa, immediately if any student athlete is struggling with mental/emotional distress. Coronado has a strong support network to assist students including our staff Social Emotional Counselor, Nicole Tarter.

• Follow Coronado Dons Athletics on Facebook @CoronadoAthletics and on Instagram @Coronado_Dons_Athletics

• Don’t forget to submit your dollar for dollar Tax Credit Donation to help support all Coronado athletics and extracurricular activities.

The Lady Dons basketball team attended their inaugural retreat to Flagstaff. They bonded as a team and they had a great time! They even took in a NAU basketball game. This was all made possible by Site Council and your tax credit dollars. Consider giving today.

The Coronado Marching Dons earned 11th place in the AzMBA 1A Marching Championships! Along with that award, they also earned a 1st place in the Percussion category. Way to go, Dons!

You can contact me at

charlesjohnson@susd.org

480-484-6806

Instagram: @coronadodonsactivities

Facebook: @coronadodonsactivities

Twitter: @CoronadoDonsAct

Research suggests that participation in extracurricular activities may increase students’ sense of engagement with their school and increase their likelihood of graduation.

Here at Coronado, we are proud to offer the following 40 Clubs:

ACE (String Instrument) Club

Art Club

BACH (Band) Club

Buddy Club

Coronado High Alliance of Native Tribes

Cheerleading Club

Choir Club

CHSAZZ Dance Club

Class of 2024 Club

Class of 2025 Club

Class of 2026 Club

Crochet Club

Cross Country Club

Dons Hoops Club

DonX Dance Club

Don Pride Club

eSports Club

Football Club

Grad Club

Guitar

Health Occupations Students of America

International Club

Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates (JAG)

Lady Dons Basketball

Lady Dons Volleyball

Letterman’s Club

Link Crew

Nado Nation Spirit Club

National Honor Society

PERC (Percussion) Club

R.C. Car Club

Senior Club

Skateboarding

Sports Medicine

Student Government

Tennis Club

Thespian (Drama Dons)

Wrestling

Yearbook

Young Life

Encourage your student to join a club today! Most clubs meet during lunch or after school. If you have questions regarding any of the clubs above, reach out to us!

We are in the middle of one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year for events and activities! Please mark your calendars for the following dates!

December 5 and 6 – Winter Choir & Guitar Concert – 6 PM in the Auditorium

December 8 – Winter Band & Orchestra Concert – 6 PM in the Auditorium

Did you know that Coronado High School offers Promise scholarships exclusively for Coronado students? To learn more about the scholarships visit Coronado Promise.

Email Ms. Palatucci at apalatucci@susd.org if you have any questions.

Remember, safety is our number one priority at Coronado. Please remind your students to check their backpacks before coming to school for any items that might violate the Student Code of Conduct. Weapons of any kind, including fake ones, are NEVER allowed on campus and could result in suspension or expulsion from school. Please take a moment to talk with you students about items that should never be brought to school so everyone can learn in a safe environment. Thank you!

Email: apalatucci@susd.org
Website: www.susd.org/Coronado
Location: 7501 East Virginia Avenue, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Phone: 480-484-6800
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CoronadoSUSD
Twitter: @CoronadoSUSD