Coronado Explorer
Of the Dons, for the Dons, for the Coronado Community
Amy Palatucci - Proud Principal
Welcome Back Coronado Family!
As we turn the page on 2020 I want to encourage you to reflect on the positive memories of the past year. Our community has shown such resilience and set the example that we are better together! I am constantly amazed at how our students have approached learning during a pandemic. On that note, it is important to honor the incredible work that has been done through these unforgettable times. On December 8, we celebrated our Dons who went over and above to be successful at Coronado. You can view the ceremony by following the Minds in Motion link below.
I have some exciting news to share with you! Every year, the Coronado Foundation for the Future sponsors scholarships for our learners. These scholarships award up to $5,000 each and covers two years at a community college or technical school. We have been working to grow this program into a “Promise Scholarship” which means that anyone who attends Coronado would be guaranteed scholarship money at the end of their educational journey as long as they meet the GPA and attendance requirements. Over winter break, Robert (a Coronado alumnus, Class of 1971) and Jennifer Flick made a significant donation to this initiative. This will allow us to provide scholarships to our Dons for years to come. For more information, please see the article below. Applications will be available within the next month and our GEAR UP team can help you with the application process.
In addition to celebrating, it is also important that we continue to support and encourage our learners. Attendance remains crucial to academic success. No matter if we are virtual or in person, it is imperative that students show up for classes on time every day. As of me writing this on 1/8/2021, the plan is to have high school students return to in-person learning on January 19. Until then, we do have space available on campus for any students who need a place to work during the school day.
SUSD offers FREE weekly curbside meal distribution. Families may pick up meals on Wednesdays, from 7-9:30 am at 7501 E. Oak Street in Scottsdale. SUSD provides “7-Day Meal Bundles” that include 7 days’ worth of breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and suppers. Meals are free to any child in the community under 18. No qualification is necessary. See www.susd.org/Meals for complete details.
The updated bell schedule can be found below. It is important that students take advantage of the support teachers offer in the afternoon. If you have any questions about individual classes or support time, please reach out to your child’s teacher. I am always available so if I can do anything to support you or your learner, do not hesitate to contact me.
You can also use the Let’s Talk feature on the SUSD website.
Cheers to a Healthy and Prosperous 2021!
Amy Palatucci
Proud Principal
Ms. Mandy Turner, Social Worker
Ms. Mandy is originally from Missouri and graduated from the University of Missouri (MIZ-ZOU!) with both a Bachelors and Master’s degree in social work. Her passion has always been working with teenagers, which she has been able to do in many various settings. She loves working inside of schools because it allows her to work with students more frequently in real time. Ms. Mandy is a Unitown sponsor and has also sponsored Gay/Straight Alliance clubs in the past.
Wondering what a school social worker does? Simply put, Ms. Mandy helps remove barriers to educational success. Check the list below to see a few of the things she does at Coronado!
- Provide Emotional Support
- Provide Family Support
- Classroom presentations when appropriate
- Participate in 504 meetings at students request
- Referrals To Community Resources
- Financial Assistance (school lunches, school supplies, transportation assistance)
- Student Support Groups
- Crisis Response
- Clothing Closet
Referrals
Concerned teachers, family members, or peers may refer students to Ms. Mandy for a variety of reasons. Administrators may refer students for violation of school policy. Any student may request to be in a support group and receive emotional support at any time during the school year. The services and supports provided by the school social worker are free. Since we are in a school setting, NO CLINICAL THERAPY WILL BE PROVIDED. However, Ms. Mandy will always make every effort to collaborate with the student and their families to refer students to outside agencies that are appropriate for the students' needs. Ms. Mandy takes student confidentiality very seriously and will protect it at all costs unless the student has disclosed the desire to hurt themselves or someone else or that they are a victim of abuse or neglect.
Need Help Managing Your Mental Health?
Calm: This includes free meditations for stress, sleep, and meditation for kids.
Breathe2Relax: Free app designed by the National Center for Telehealth and Technology to teach breathing techniques to manage stress.
Happify: Provides science-based activities and games that are meant to reduce stress, build resilience, and overcome negative thoughts.
MoodPath: Personalized mental health companion that "learns" from your responses and generates insights and provides resources most relevant to your emotional health.
MoodTools: A self-help app targeting depression. Provides psychoeducation about risk factors, a thought diary, a suicide safety plan, and videos.
PTSD Coach: Self-help app from the National Center for PTSD provides education, assesses PTSD and offers easy to understand tips to manage common PTSD symptoms, and offers additional treatment resources.
Quit That!: Free app that helps users beat their habits or addictions. A recovery tool to track and monitor your progress.
Medisafe: A medication reminder app.
Shine: A self-care app with research-based strategies to help you reduce stress, boost self-compassion, helps with focus, and battles burnout.
Still need support?
Reach out to me via email at aturner@susd.org or through my Google Voice number, 480-331-6012. I am happy to do one-on-one check ins!
Are you a senior who is struggling with senioritis or the pandemic blues? Pop into my SENIORS ONLY support groups to discuss coping strategies, stressors of senior year, and simply just to vent. This is your safe space to process through the stuff that’s got you down. We will meet weekly on Wednesdays from 12-12:30 pm.
Beginning January 20, 2021, I will also offer a weekly virtual (SEL) support group open to all students every Wednesday from 1:10-1:30 pm. Topics will include stress management, mindfulness techniques, study strategies, and healthy relationships. If the group decides they have a topic they wish to discuss, the floor is open, and Ms. Mandy will safely guide the discussion as needed.
Life right now is hard enough. It is okay not to be okay! Do not hesitate to reach out if you or a friend needs help navigating the social and emotional obstacles of this school year. You are not alone in this!
Nurse's Notes
Phase 1B Vaccinations Start Monday Phase 1B Vaccinations start Monday, January 11
Who Is In Phase 1B?
Prioritized populations for Phase 1B include adults age 75 and older, PreK-12 teachers and staff, childcare workers, and law enforcement/protective services workers. Adults living in congregate settings and other essential workers will be prioritized for vaccination in Phase 1B after these groups.
What If I’m Not In Phase 1A Or 1B?
We know many people are eager to get vaccinated. Maricopa County Public Health follows federal and state recommendations for vaccine prioritization. While it may not be your turn yet, we will continue to keep you informed in this newsletter, on our website, on social media, and through our many partners so you know when you and your family are eligible to get the vaccine. Thank you for your patience.
COVID-19 Testing Available
Get a diagnostic test for free
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Melinda Splitek - Assistant Principal, Educational Services
Educational Services Updates
Schedule Changes: Students may experience a schedule change to accommodate graduation needs or to decrease class sizes. It is important that students are checking their SUSD GAPPS email daily.
Incompletes & Final Exam Make-Up: Students have until 1/22/2021 to work with their teacher and take any final exam that they missed in December. After 1/22/2021, the semester grade will be calculated with a zero for the final exam.
Official Transcripts: Seniors who need official transcripts should visit www.parchment.com.
Senior Cap & Gown Information: We are in the process of scheduling another opportunity for AZ Balfour to be on-campus so that seniors can order their red cap & gowns for graduation. Once this date is set, we will email all Coronado Seniors If you need more information on cap & gowns, please call 480-484-6805 or email Melinda Splitek @ msplitek@susd.org.
GEAR UP for Success
GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. We provide free postsecondary planning services to students and their families at Coronado High School.
GEAR UP Office Hours are 7:00 am - 7:30 am and 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm Monday through Friday. Please call us, email us, or make an appointment through our Calendly links below.
You can also text us at any time! (520) 372-6528
Mr. John "TG" Acedo - GEAR UP Coach
calendly.com/jacedo/15min
jacedo@susd.org
480-484-6877
Ms. Kristal Becerra - GEAR UP Coach (Hablo Español)
calendly.com/kbecerra
kbecerra@susd.org
480-484-6878
Ms. Siena Moreno - GEAR UP Assistant
calendly.com/s-moreno/gearup-general
smoreno@susd.org
480-484-6879
GEAR UP is partnering with iTutor
GEAR UP is partnering with iTutor to provide free online math tutoring to every Coronado student. All tutors are certified and highly experienced teachers who are licensed to teach all levels of high school math. This is a great opportunity for students to get help with completing daily homework, refreshing difficult concepts, and studying for quizzes and tests. Tutors will collaborate with Coronado math teachers to ensure consistency in their instruction. iTutor services are available online now! Tutoring sessions are held Monday through Thursday from 12:30-1:30 and 2:45-5:45.
Contact GEAR UP Assistant, Siena Moreno, if you have questions.
Joe Olney - Assistant Principal, Student Services
Student Services Updates
- School Photo retakes will be January 22, 2021 in the auditorium. Questions, please contact Mr. Olney at jolney@susd.org or 480-484-6806.
- Mark the date- January 26, 2021. All sophomores and participating juniors will be taking the PSAT. Room assignments will be shared prior to January 26.
- Also on January 26, 2021 all juniors will be taking the ASVAB test in the auditorium. Test starts at 7:45 am.
- You can order the 20-21 yearbook for $60. Please contact Brandi Brumfield to purchase a yearbook. She can be reached at bbrumfield@susd.org or 480-484-6848.
- Having great attendance and being on time for classroom instruction is important for students to be successful. Your students attendance and grades can be monitored through Parent Vue: https://www.susd.org/Page/450 If you need assistance with Parent Vue please contact Rebecca Rivera at rrivera@susd.org 480-484-6822.
Tony Miller, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director
Athletics Updates
- Congrats to Aylin Garcia Lugo, she is our December Student Athlete of the Month.
- The new athletics schedules have been updated and released. The winter season will begin on January 19.
- Please note that only two parents/guardians will be allowed to attend any sporting events. This means no brothers or sisters, cousins, etc.
- Make sure you subscribe to the NFHS Network to watch all of our home games live.
- Club Rush - Wednesday, January 27 from 11:55 am-12:30 pm. Event will be held at the outside cafeteria tables for anyone interested in joining a club.
- Study Hall and supper will still be available for all student athletes after school in the library.
#FightOn
Guidance Corner
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Coronado High School, Home of the Dons
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