Every day at Challenger is structured to contribute to your child’s development and success. It is important to recognize the invaluable lessons and growth that the full academic term offers, especially as we approach our enriching year-end activities.
These events are not mere formalities. Rather, they are celebrations that solidify the progress each student has made. They offer unique avenues for students to showcase their learning and character development achieved through the year.
One important year-end event is our merit assembly, where we offer public recognition for students who have achieved in various competitions throughout the year. As valuable as the recognition is, we remind students that it is through their hard work and achievement, rather than the award given, that they find the rewards of joy and self-worth. This principle helps students realize how acquired knowledge and skills can help them learn to live and think independently long after a certificate or trophy is forgotten.
Completing the academic year also teaches important life lessons about commitment and the benefits of finishing what one starts; it provides an opportunity for your child to practice dedication to the investment you have made in his or her academic and personal success.
Spring Programs are an exciting opportunity for students to culminate their year of learning with an impressive presentation for their families. Each preschool through fifth-grade class performs a program filled with songs, dances, and recitations, and our middle school students display their developing abilities with theatrical presentations.
While on campus, take note of the Young Author student books on display, and peruse the Computer Programming Fair projects and Art Fair winners.
It’s an exciting time to be on campus and witness the amazing abilities of Challenger students!
Students will participate in our annual math contest that begins May 18. Throughout the year, students study math by building one concept upon the previous in logical sequence. Students practice what they have learned by solving problems that require extending their knowledge to higher levels. This event offers students the opportunity to apply their math skills in an enjoyable, quick-paced contest.
On May 22, kindergarten–grade 8 students will participate in an assembly and hear selections from speeches to help students understand and appreciate the price millions of Americans have paid to preserve freedom and individual rights. There will be no school on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.
Challenger eighth-graders will enjoy an educational and fun-filled experience during this year’s Grade 8 class trip on May 28. Students across campuses participate in regional activities that include touring museums and science academies, exploring local landmarks, and working together to solve escape rooms.
Eighth-grade students and their families are looking forward to Challenger graduation ceremonies. Watch for an invitation to be mailed in May.
Last month, over 200 Challenger eighth-grade students toured American historic landmarks and sites in Boston, Philadelphia, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
It can be very inspiring for students to personally connect themselves to significant events in America’s history that fueled man’s quest for freedom. Traveling with informed Challenger chaperones helps bring to life some of the knowledge, ideals, and values learned in the classroom.
In addition, by traveling across the country unaccompanied by parents, students practice independence and the joy of self-management. This trip was a wonderful learning experience for many of our soon-to-be graduates!
In the May and June issues of Challenger News, we highlight some of the recent, top student achievements. We simply cannot acknowledge every student’s achievements, but we readily congratulate the students listed, as well as all students who continue to strive to attain worthwhile goals. Some events and awards are still being finalized, so check back in June for achievements in science fair, spelling bee, and Region Speech Festival.
Fifth- through eighth-grade students participated in the American Mathematics Competition 8 (AMC 8) test this spring, and the following students scored in the top 1% of all AMC 8 test takers nation-wide.
The following students scored in the top 5% of all AMC 8 test takers nationwide.
AMC 8 results from last spring were used to determine which students qualified for the high school-level AMC 10 exam. Those students were invited to take the AMC 10 this past fall. We congratulate the following participants, who scored in the top 1% of AMC 10 test takers nationwide.
The following students scored in the top 5% of all AMC 10 test takers nationwide.
Started in 1984, MATHCOUNTS is an annual, nationwide program for students in grades 6–8, reaching over 250,000 students each year. Its competition series engages more than 60,000 students in events covering algebra, number theory, probability, counting, and geometry. We are proud to announce that our Traverse Mountain, UT team consisting of: Edric C., Elizabeth T., Joshua F., and Roshan K. took 1st place in the chapter level competition.
The Salt Lake, UT team consisting of Andy H., Boston C., Cade H., and Ziqiao S. took 2nd place in their chapter level competition.
This year, Challenger fifth- through eighth-grade students participated in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) American History Contest. Additionally, students had the option to submit a video entry alongside the traditional essay format. Submissions are judged on historical accuracy, adherence to topic, interest, and originality. Essay submissions are additionally evaluated on organization of materials, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and neatness.
Aanshi C. and Anaya J. from the Shawnee (CA) campus won first place in the state video contest and took the overall first-place prize for all sixth graders nationwide!
The following students won their chapter and advanced to win at the DAR state and/or region levels!
The following students are the DAR winners from their respective chapters.
Challenger students enjoy submitting art and essay projects to America’s Freedom Festival. Student work for this optional contest occurs at home. Freedom Festival is one of America’s largest patriotic celebrations and is sponsored by a private, non-profit, non-political foundation whose mission is to celebrate, teach, honor, and strengthen the traditional American values of God, family, freedom, and country.
The following students won awards for their Freedom Festival essay submissions.
The following students won awards for their Freedom Festival video submissions.
The following students won awards for their Freedom Festival art submissions.
Challenger’s summer program is designed to review academic concepts while offering meaningful interaction with teachers and other students.
Half-day and all-day programs are available, and classes begin June 15 and 16. Students will engage in unique learning exercises, drills, and activities using methods that have proven successful for six decades—it’s the perfect way to enrich your child’s summer days!
If you have not yet enrolled your child in a summer program and would still like to do so, follow the steps below. A $25 application fee will be assessed.
It’s that simple! Contact your campus office with any questions. We look forward to a summer of fun and learning with your child.
Mark your calendars now for our two main breaks during next school year.
Challenger will not be in session during the dates listed below: