This newsletter is a great resource to help you stay abreast of upcoming curriculum events and student achievements.
Additionally, each month parents will receive either Fun Facts (preschool) or Classroom News (kindergarten–grade 8), which explain some of the specific lessons and activities that will be happening in each program. These also provide helpful tips on how parents can support their children with learning from home.
To stay updated and informed, be sure you have signed up for the Parent Portal on our website. Via the portal, you can view account balances, print statements, request changes to student information, access student online credentials, and submit questions directly to your campus. Make sure your email address is entered correctly so you will be able to receive important information via email. Contact your campus if you need help setting up your account.
Keep an eye on Facebook and Instagram for more fun and informative content.
Please join us for Evening for Parents during the week of August 30–September 2. (Watch for an email invitation with the date and time of the event for your child’s grade.) This event is designed to familiarize you with classroom and curriculum objectives. During the evening, teachers will also describe how you can support your child’s learning.
In the event of a campus evacuation, emergency, or unexpected closure, Challenger will use an automated notification system to inform students’ emergency contacts via email, text, and automated voice messages.
The automated notification system allows us to communicate far more quickly and consistently than we could with individual phone calls from staff. To ensure you receive important notifications, please visit the Parent Portal to make sure your contact information is current. We plan to perform a test of the system on Saturday, September 11.
Challenger elementary students will commemorate these two special days in class on Friday, September 17. As our students understand and respect man’s inalienable rights, they begin to develop values that will help them think for themselves and cherish the liberties secured for them by the Founding Fathers.
Don’t forget that the special function uniform is required for assembly days!
Students in grades 5–8 will vote to select the 2021–2022 student council for their campus. Those who wish to run for student council offices should request candidate applications from their teachers.
During Western Days, we explore the historic American culture of the Old West and enjoy fun activities like singing campfire songs and crafting vests! Preschool students are encouraged to come to school dressed as cowboys and cowgirls. Kindergartners may accessorize their uniforms with bandanas, belts, cowboy boots, and hats. It’s sure to be a boot-stompin’ good time.
The Beginning This Year report is a great tool for tracking your child’s progress. This report is sent home in late September allowing you to gauge your child’s skill level at the beginning of the year. You will receive additional reports later in the year so you can see and celebrate your child’s progress.
Students in grades 5–8 have received information about the national American History Essay Contest sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
This annual contest provides Challenger students the opportunity to refine their writing, research, and creative skills. Challenger students have traditionally done very well in this contest at local, state, and national levels. In fact, Sam L. from Traverse Mountain, UT earned first place at the national level for grade 7, and Allyson B. from Everest, ID earned second place at the national level for grade 8 in the 2020–21 contest.
This year’s topic is “The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.” We are excited to see what our students come up with!
We are excited about some new and renovated facilities this year!
Our new Independence campus in Plano, Texas, opened this summer, offering preschool and kindergarten programs in its first year.
We are also excited to have begun earth works for the construction of a new and improved Sandy campus, only blocks away from the current location. It is expected to open Fall 2022 with preschool–grade 8 programs!
Visit www.terrapinlogo.com/logo.html to browse options for home use of the Terrapin Logo program used in Challenger computer classes. Programming in Logo or Python is never required as homework. Watch for an email with a code that will earn you a discount on a Household License.
After 33 years, National Geographic is discontinuing their GeoBee. We will miss it, but we know that students still have plenty of opportunities to participate in exciting competitions that reinforce knowledge and build confidence!
Hosted by the Mathematical Association of America, the AMC 8 and 10 are twenty-five question, multiple- choice examinations in mathematics designed to promote the development and enhancement of problem-solving skills.
Designed for students in grade 10 and below, the AMC 10 will take place on November 10. Students who qualified for the AMC 10 during the 2020–21 academic year will be invited to participate in this year’s competition. Please watch for communication from Challenger if your child qualifies for this event.
The AMC 8 will take place on January 18. The Mathematical Association of America encourages students in grades 6, 7, and 8 to participate; however, due to Challenger’s advanced curriculum, all students in grades 5–8 will compete.
Mark your calendars now for our two main breaks during next school year.
Challenger will not be in session during the dates listed below: