The role of principal is a position that comes with prestige, dedication, and prioritizing your school and the responsibilities that come with it. It is no easy feat and an individual who chooses to embrace this challenge must be resilient to any hardships they may face.
Dr. Angela Reyna has eagerly chosen to take on this role. She recently began her first year as our principal, joining El Paso ISD from Ysleta ISD. Previously working as the principal of Parkland Middle School, it is Reyna’s first time as principal of a high school, which she has found to be different from middle school.
“EPISD is a much bigger district,” Reyna said. “There are a lot more people that are available to support principals.”
The shift from one district to another is not easy, and Reyna has worked hard to facilitate this shift for both administrators and the students. By sticking to her philosophy, Reyna aims to consider both the education and wellbeing of the students.
“You’re always going to have people that might not want to do the things you want to promote,” Reyna said. “I always center myself on the fact that something is good for kids.”
In her first few weeks as principal, Reyna has focused on building relationships with staff and students.
Reyna has worked hard to implement new systems, such as the ID policy, around Coronado to ensure a safer campus that promotes secure learning. She has also worked hard to create a school that is built on order, especially when it comes to attendance.
“I’ve noticed that there has been more emphasis on attendance and tardies. I see kids in the morning, and they tend to be quicker. I’ve noticed the IDS are more effective-when they see me, they automatically put them on,” IB coordinator Les Harris said.
“I’ve only been here six weeks,” Reyna said. “I’m still observing and talking to kids and adults.”
Reyna aims to improve the school and is open to feedback in order to better the quality of education. She strives to take all viewpoints, from students to teachers, into account.
“I think a good principal listens,” Reyna said. “I meet with my staff as much as I can one on one.”
Reyna graduated from Jefferson High School, which is part of EPISD. She worked as a teacher and was inspired by the principal she worked for. She went to school to receive her master’s and doctorate degree with the goal of becoming a principal.
“I always knew I wanted to be a teacher,” Reyna said. “One day, I want to teach future administrators how to become good principals.”
Reyna was named the 2020-2021 Regional Middle School Principal of the Year by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals. The process includes being nominated, completing an application, writing essays, and being reviewed by a committee. Once your name is on the ballot, all administrators in region 19 vote on the winner.
“I’m very happy to represent a lot of really hard-working middle school principals,” Reyna said.
When it comes to her personal life, Reyna has an older son in the navy and a third grade son. Her older son has a two-year-old daughter, and Reyna loves to visit her son and granddaughter in Hawaii. As for her spare time, Reyna spends it supporting her third grader in his sports, watching movies, or shopping for Jordans.
“On the weekends, I’m a soccer and basketball mom,” Reyna said. “I also love going to the movies and zoning out everything in my life.”
The transition into a different district and school has come with adjustments for Reyna, but she has embraced the school’s community and has grown a sense of appreciation for its values and standards.
“I am so grateful that I came into a school that is so rich in tradition,” Reyna said. “Coronado is just a hidden gem over here on the westside.”
