We are thrilled to report that Challenger campuses in Santa Clara County (CA) have recently been allowed to reopen. We recognize the importance of in-person interaction between students and teachers and between students and their peers, and we are determined to make up for detectable learning lapses that have occurred as a result of shutdowns this past spring. Both students and teachers benefit from on-campus instruction, and we look forward to seeing the positive results. Fortunately, once these campuses have reopened, they will not be susceptible to mandatory schoolwide shutdowns again (per the California Department of Public Health). Rather, individuals with symptoms will be handled on a case-by-case basis. We are hopeful that Alameda County (CA) will also meet the criterion for reopening in early October, at which time all of our campuses in all five regions will again be operating for in-person classes.
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.
Although not the first European to set foot in the new world, Christopher Columbus was an explorer, navigator, and colonizer who led the way so that Europeans could settle in the Americas. To commemorate people like Columbus who helped open the doors to exploration in the world, classes will discuss events surrounding the discovery of America, the founding of colonies such as Jamestown, and the significance of the European exploration of the American continents.
Mid-term notices for students in grades 1–8 will be sent home later this month. At the end of the semester, preschool teachers will prepare Reports of Progress for parents, and kindergarten–grade 8 teachers will send home Achievement Reports. See the Parent Calendar for dates. These official communications occur twice during the academic year. Feel free to contact the campus at any time if you’d like to speak with your child’s teacher.
Halloween Dress-Up Day is October 30. Students may wear either costumes or their uniforms to school that day. (It is not a free dress day.) On-campus students who wear costumes will remain in the costume all day and should not plan on changing into other clothes. We encourage creative costumes, but remember that your child will have regular school activities that day. Please make sure that costumes do not include Halloween masks, glitter, or toy weapons. Teachers will be in costume, too. Halloween at Challenger is lots of fun!
All kindergarten through eighth-grade students participating in online learning can now meet with their teachers during extra daily office hours. Online teachers are available during these hours via Teams. These are not required live meets, but uniforms are required. Designated weeks will also include Friday Fun during the office hours, which will provide kindergarten through fifth grade students opportunities to socialize and enjoy fun activities together. The extra office hours are listed under Posts in Teams.
During the school year, a professional photographer will be visiting some of our campuses to take individual portraits for parents to purchase. Look for specific information to come from your campus. Picture days are special-function days. Preschoolers wear their uniforms, and students in K–8 must wear full special-function uniforms, including the required sweaters and ties. View specifics about special-function uniforms here.
We have been informed by the National Geographic Society that the National Geographic Bee has been cancelled for the 2020–2021 year.
Have you picked up your copy of the amazing Challenger Phonics Fun reading program yet? With DVDs, music, and activities, Challenger Phonics Fun uses original, upbeat phonics songs and humor to teach critically important reading concepts. For children ages 3–8, Challenger Phonics Fun opens the door to the world of reading. In the words of a satisfied parent, “I can’t tell whether my child is having fun while learning or is learning while having fun!” Our experience shows that our students learn faster and more confidently when they have Challenger Phonics Fun at home because it uses many of the same concepts and methods our teachers use in their instruction. Students recognize the characters and songs, and they have fun while reinforcing their learning! For more information, contact your campus, or purchase your kit online at LearningCrew.org.
Your child is learning to print his or her name with a capital letter followed by lowercase letters. (Some names are exceptions to this rule.)
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