Coronado Explorer
Of the Dons, by the Dons, for the Coronado Community
Amy Palatucci - Proud Principal
I have been working in the field of education since 2005, and I have been with SUSD since 2011. Before my current role as Principal of Coronado, I was a Special Education teacher and Department Chair at Chaparral High School. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and Elementary Education from Carlow University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I also have a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University. In my spare time, I love to read, watch movies, and travel.I got into education because one teacher believed in me. If I were a quote, it would be “I hope you believe in yourself as much as I believe in you."
Happy November Dons Family!
Dear Coronado Families!
November is a time to reflect on what we are thankful for. I am thankful to be a part of the Coronado Community. The past three years have been some of the best ever for me and that is because of our students, our families, and our staff. It is so satisfying that we are finally able to have students on campus for in-person learning. They are the reasons we do what we do. Our students have been amazingly resilient throughout this and I commend them. It is truly inspiring to see how we have come together as a community in spite of the challenges that surround us.
Please encourage your students to continue to make good decisions both on and off campus. They should wear masks and respect physical distancing when they are with individuals that are not from their household. It is important that we all follow these steps to keep each other safe and to keep our students learning in-person. Also, encourage your students to be in class and on time every day, both virtually and in-person. Attendance is very important to their success.
This month I would like to highlight Title I. Coronado is a proud Title I school. This is determined by the number of students who both qualify for free and reduced lunch and also those who apply, regardless if they are approved. In addition to free and reduced meals, students will also receive discounts on athletic fees, discounts or waived testing fees, and the ability to have course fees waived.
We ask that everyone who attends Coronado please fill out the application even if you do not think you will qualify. The applications can be found in the links below. Title I funding ensures that we can provide our students with extra support outside of school hours, and hire additional staff that work with our students.
Thank you,
Amy Palatucci
Proud Principal
Nurse's Notes
Recommendations for the Use of Face Coverings in School
The face covering must cover both the nose and mouth. Always keep it in place. Students should not touch the eyes, nose, or mouth when removing or adjusting a face covering. Wash hands or use hand sanitizer immediately after removing or adjusting the face covering.
Please make sure that the face mask is the proper size for your child’s face and does not fit loosely or fall down leaving the nose or mouth uncovered.
Ideally cloth face coverings should be washed when they become wet or visibly soiled and at least daily. Have a bag or bin available to keep your cloth face coverings in until you can wash them. Launder the face coverings with detergent and hot water and dry on a hot cycle. If you must re-wear your cloth face covering before washing, wash your hands immediately after putting it back on and avoid touching your face.
Discard cloth face coverings that:
▪ No longer cover the nose and mouth
▪ Have stretched out or damaged ties or straps
▪ Cannot stay on the face
▪ Have holes or tears in the fabric
It is strongly recommended that you send spare face masks with your student in the event that their mask gets misplaced or soiled during the school day!
Melinda Splitek - Assistant Principal, Educational Services
My career in education began after graduating from Arizona State University with a BA in Secondary Education and English, and a Masters in Educational Leadership. After spending 8 years teaching high school English, I transitioned into an administrator role at Coronado High School. I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and believe that it is never too late to make a positive change in your life and chase your dreams. I am an avid reader who also loves running and cycling.
Educational Services Updates
Grades: In high school, grades officially close at the end of each semester. Your student’s grades will not start over at the end of the quarter. The quarter grade is important because it provides a mid-point snapshot of your student’s grade. Please make sure that you are checking ParentVUE weekly for a real time update of your grades.
FAFSA: GEAR UP will host a Saturday FAFSA event on November 14. Seniors, this is the first of many important steps to ensuring you are ready to go for college next fall. Even if you are unsure about your plans for after high school it is important that you complete the FAFSA. Support for this is available in both English and Spanish. To RSVP for this event, please visit: https://www.susd.org/gearup.
Getting Extra Help: Coronado teachers are available to help your student be successful. If you are interested in tutoring, please contact your student’s guidance counselor. School counselors are assigned by alphabet:
A-F: Ms. Anna Huerta / ahuerta@susd.org
G-M: Ms. Nicole Tarter / ntarter@susd.org
N-Z: Ms. Julie Stephan / jstephan@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
Guidance Corner
Joe Olney - Assistant Principal, Student Services
I started my teaching career as a math teacher at Chaparral High School. I am currently working on my 3rd year as the Assistant Principal of Student Activities at Coronado and 4th year as the SUSD Summer School Principal. In my spare time, I like to spend time with my family and enjoying anything to do with astronomy and the outdoors.
Senior Photos
- Seniors, please dress up!
- No caps and gowns will be provided or shared.
- In-person students will report to the auditorium during their Econ or Government classes.
- EDL and SOL students can get their senior photos taken from 11 am - 12 pm on either day in the auditorium.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Olney at 480-484-6806 or jolney@susd.org
Attention Juniors!
Every year, we have Coronado students who miss out on scholarships because they do not take the PSAT/MNSQT. Don't let this happen to YOU.
This year the PSAT/MNSQT will be administered on Tuesday, January 26, 2021. Register today! The deadline to sign up and pay is Friday, November 30, 2020. The NONREFUNDABLE fee is $20 and there are a limited number of fee waivers available. Please email Ms. Brumfield at bbrumfield@susd.org or call 480-484-6848. There are a limited amount of FREE STUDENT GUIDES available, so don't delay. If you have any questions contact your guidance counselor.
Student Services Updates
Having great attendance and being on time for classroom instruction is important for students to be successful. Please encourage your learners to be on time, present, and engaged during class time each day. In the afternoon, encourage your student to attend asynchronous time with your teachers. Even in the enhanced distance learning model, the school day does not end until 2:33 pm. Have your child reach out to their teacher if they have questions about the asynchronous learning times for support.
Your student's attendance and grades can be monitored through ParentVue: https://www.susd.org/Page/450 . If you need assistance with ParentVue please contact Rebecca Rivera at rrivera@susd.org or 480-484-6822.
The 2019-2020 yearbooks are still for sale in the bookstore for $75. We are also currently in production on the 2020-2021 yearbook. You can pre-order the 20-21 yearbook for $55 prior to December 18. Please contact Brandi Brumfield to purchase or pre-order a yearbook at bbrumfield@susd.org or 480-484-6848.
Tony Miller, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director
This is my second year at Coronado High School, and my 15th year in education. This year will mark my 6th year in administration, and I love being an Athletic Director. I have a Masters in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University, and I hold numerous certifications in athletic administration/coaching. Besides my career in education, I have also served as a director for the Special Olympics, I was the president of National Youth Sports for two years, and I was a coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks for a decade in their academy.
Athletics Updates
- Hector Bello, Varsity Golf, is the October Student Athlete of the Month. Congratulations, Hector!
- Rachael Grapevine will be profiled in an article on AIA 365, discussing her athletic accomplishments and participation in our sports medicine program.
- Coronado High School will be the host of the AIA Fall State Playoffs for volleyball, football, and soccer.
- Coronado coaches have completed 410 NFHS courses and we currently have 48 national coaching certifications.
- Don't forget that winter sports tryouts will begin on Monday, November 9. Winter sports include Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Wrestling, Girls Soccer, and Boys Soccer.
- Remember that all sporting events that are held in the stadium and the main gym can be seen live on the NFHS Network.
- Follow us on Facebook @Coronado Don's Athletics and on Instagram - Donnie Coronado, coronado.dons.athletics
#FightOn
2020-2021 Winter Sports Athletics Schedule
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