As the year comes to a close, we reflect with gratitude and amazement on the resilience and determination of our Challenger students, parents, and staff. Together, we have persevered through incredible challenges and have continued to rise to face each new situation by employing the Challenger values (self-reliance, honesty, rationality, integrity, justice, productivity, and self-worth) we embrace. We wish you all the best in the coming new year!
Since online learning and in-person classes are not the same experience, some of the information in this newsletter will be more relevant to on-campus students and their parents, while other portions will apply more to those involved in remote education. Look for the bell icon to indicate information for on-campus students and the laptop icon for online students.
Our class spelling bees began on November 30 and continue the first week of December. These in-class written and oral competitions will identify the finalists who will advance to the campus Spelling Bee to conclude the week. Good luck to our stellar spellers!
On December 7, 1941, Japanese forces attacked the U.S. Naval Station at Pearl Harbor, plunging our country into war.
In classes this month, we will remember those whose lives were lost on that day and throughout World War II.
Although we won’t be able to enjoy Christmas Sings together this month as we have in other years, we’re hopeful that students will be able to show off all they have learned when it is time for Spring Programs.
In the meantime, ask your child to sing you a festive holiday song or recite a poem he or she has learned in class!
Classes will have Christmas celebrations on the last day of school before Winter Break. Challenger will provide fun and safe activities and treats, so please do not send food or gifts to this in-class, student-only event.
Challenger School will not be in session from December 21–January 1. We hope that you and your children enjoy this family time, and we wish you the best in the new year!
We’re excited to announce that re-enrollment will be easier than ever! You should have received an email explaining that we are adopting continuous enrollment this year. If you didn’t receive the email, please contact your campus office.
With continuous enrollment, after you sign and submit the Continuous Enrollment Agreement, you authorize Challenger to register your child in the subsequent grade for the next school year. You’ll have no more paper re-enrollment packets to complete, and you can request changes or withdraw at any time through the Parent Portal.
A tuition deposit will secure your child’s registration for the next school year. The deposit isn’t due until March 1, and it will be applied to the first month’s tuition payment for next year.
With continuous enrollment, there is no application fee, and returning kindergarten through eighth-grade students qualify for a reduced tuition rate.
Don’t miss out on the many benefits of this new process! The Continuous Enrollment Agreements are due by Monday, December 7. Contact your campus office today if you need a copy of the form or have any questions.
In order to ensure that your child retains the skills she is learning in class, try these activities together over Winter Break:
Watch educational DVDs like Challenger Phonics Fun with your child (available at your campus or online at LearningCrew.org). The kit makes a terrific Christmas gift! Sing along with the songs. As you watch, ask questions about letters, sounds, and blending.
Play counting games. Ask your child to count the cookies on a plate or presents under the tree. While you’re in the car, say, “Can you find eight houses that are decorated for the holidays?” or look at a calendar and ask, “How many days are left in this year?” Three-year-olds are learning to count to 20, and four-year-olds can handle even larger numbers.
It’s full steam ahead for Challenger students’ Science Fair projects!
Kindergarten–grade 2 students will begin their projects after the break, and grade 3–8 students should already have their projects well underway. Please make sure that your child completes the project on his or her own.
The Science Fair will culminate in late January.
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